Elderly hamster abandoned near bins recovering

The hamster was found by a member of the public

An elderly hamster abandoned next to communal bins is being nursed back to good health.

The hamster, now named Stig, was found in a cage by a member of the public in Troutbeck, Milton Keynes, in Buckinghamshire on 24 February.

Due to his condition and age, Stig now lives at Hartwells Homeless Small Animal Sanctuary and has been treated for fur loss.

The little Syrian hamster, thought to be around three years old, has been showing signs of improvement since arriving at the sanctuary and is steadily gaining weight, the RSPCA said.

Louise Norman, who runs the sanctuary, said: "We believe he is quite elderly as he tends to only dotter around in his cage - but even in just a week his personality is starting to shine through - which is lovely to see, as he was so shut down when he first arrived.

"He is having treatment for his mange and this poor boy had more skin showing than he had fur."

Animal rescue officer, Rebecca Frost, said: "It is heartbreaking to think that this poor little hamster was just left abandoned by some bins and treated like rubbish."

Ms Frost urged anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously on the day he was found, or has information about his owners, to contact the RSPCA.