THE RSPCA has appealed for help in tracking down a man suspected of throwing six live hamsters into the River Avon, on the afternoon of Wednesday July 9.
He was seen hurling the hamsters into the river at Borough Parade by two young boys at 4.45pm.
RSPCA inspectors Kate Davis and Stephanie Daly responded to the emergency call, but when they arrived at the scene, they found just one hamster floating dead in the water, about seven metres from the bank. There was no sign of the others.
Ms Daly said: "The two lads were very upset by what had happened, especially after witnessing one of the hamsters struggling to swim."
Ms Daly said the man's action was cruel and callous.
She said: "Instead of handing these hamsters into an animal re-homing centre, the owner has condemned them to death in the most horrific and heartless way. The people who do this sort of thing are cowards. They're taking the easy way out without any consideration for the welfare of the pets."
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the RSPCA's 24-hour line, in confidence, on 08705 555999.
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