Two hamsters have been found dumped in a box in a field.

The RSPCA is advising families to research the needs of small pets before taking one on for their children after the pair were found in a field in Canterbury.

Animal collection officer (ACO) Brian Milligan was called to collect the small rodents on Wednesday last week, after a woman found them.

ACO Milligan said: “A woman was out when she came across two tatty boxes dumped in a field and found a little hamster inside each one.

“She kindly took the rodents home with her and called us.”

ACO Milligan went to collect the hamsters - one Syrian male and the second, a female Roborovski - and took them to RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre, in West Malling, for care.

“One of the hamsters was a little lethargic but they’re both doing well in our care.

“The male has been named Theodore and the female is now known as Mrs Packman.”

If the hamsters are not claimed then staff will begin searching for new homes for them.

ACO Milligan added: "I understand that people sometimes end up in situations where they may struggle to care for their pet and we’d always urge anyone in that situation to contact us, other charities or even their vet for help.

“There’s no excuse to abandon a vulnerable pet in a box in a field like this.

“There are several different breeds and varieties of hamster which can live for two years or even longer.

"While hamsters are popular first-time pets for children and can make wonderful family pets, they are a significant responsibility and it’s really important that families do their research before taking one on.”

For more information about caring for hamsters, or to find a rescue hamster looking for a new home, use the charity’s Find A Pet search function on its website

To help the charity rescue more animals like Theodore and Mrs Packman, please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give.

If anyone has information about where the hamsters came from or who was responsible for dumping them should call 0300 1238018.