More than 130 mice rescued from Atherstone house

West Hatch Animal Centre in Somerset has 36 mice - 33 adult females and three babies

More than 130 mice, known for being prolific breeders, have been rescued from the same house.

The Natal Multimammate mice, found in Atherstone, Warwickshire, were not neutered or separated by sex "so the situation spiralled out of control", the RSPCA said.

The breed have "many more nipples than a standard mouse," the charity said, meaning they can breed often and have large litters.

They are now in need of new homes.

RSPCA inspectors were called to the property on 18 April after concerns were raised about the mice being kept in poor conditions.

It was not clear whether the original owner started out with just one pair or a small group, but they quickly found themselves unable to cope, the charity said.

RSPCA Newbrook Animal Centre in Birmingham has 10 males from the house and eight further mice

RSPCA inspector Richard Durant, who went to the property, said some people may not realise the animals will inbreed and "steps need to be taken to prevent this".

He added: "It can be difficult to properly care for this number of animals so we were happy to step in to provide advice to the owner and to help to find the mice new loving homes."

Even so, the charity has had to share the mice out between seven of its centres.

The mice are now waiting for new owners at RSPCA centres in Derby, Norwich, Martlesham in Suffolk, South Cotswolds, Birmingham, West Hatch in Somerset and the Isle of Wight. They are also being neutered before being rehomed.

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They would need a spacious glass home with good ventilation where they "are able to explore, but not escape", the charity said.

The RSPCA added said the breed is not always easy to handle so experienced owners were being sought.