by Hayley Robinson

A week after it was reported as being in need of rescuing, an abandoned hamster was found dead in its cage.

The creature was discovered alive by a refuse collector outside Oaktree House in Woodberry Drive, Murston, on January 3.

Waste collection firm Biffa reported the finding to Swale council which then reported it to the RSPCA and housing association AmicusHorizon.

Amicus sent an officer to the scene the same day but he was unable to find the animal.

A spokesman said: "The officer conducted a full and thorough check of communal and individual bin store areas at Oaktree House and its adjoining blocks - Birch, Ashtree and Willow Houses.

"We contacted Swale council to update them that our investigation had found no evidence of a hamster and we confirmed the location of its whereabouts with the council on two occasions."

The following day the RSPCA sent one of its inspectors to the flats to collect the animal.

But when she rang Swale council to confirm the exact location, she was told it couldn’t be found.

As a result she didn’t look any further.

However, when the bins were collected the following week, the hamster was found dead in its cage in the same place it had been originally found.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "The animal collection officer was devastated when told the hamster had been found dead a week later.

"She had planned to take it home with her to care for it but when told the animal wasn’t there and was no longer required she left her details and said if any more information came to light to contact her and she would be happy to help."

Cllr David Simmons, Swale’s cabinet member for environmental and rural affairs, said: "We were disappointed to find the cage still at the location during waste collection rounds the following week.

"Any form of animal cruelty is abhorrent and the council will make itself available to the RSPCA to assist with any investigation they wish to carry out to find those responsible."

The hamster’s death will be highlighted to AmicusHorizon residents via one of the housing association’s publications.

A spokesman said: "We’ll additionally communicate with all residents living in Ashtree, Birch, Oaktree and Willow Houses about this case, reminding them of our pets policy."

"We treat all reports about animal cruelty very seriously."