NINETEEN baby rats are looking for a home after being dumped on a doorstep in the town centre.

The seven-week-old animals were left abandoned in a cardboard box outside the RSPCA office in St George's Road on Friday afternoon.

The organisation are appealing to member of the public to come and look after these cute creatures.

The rats are a variety of colours including black, white, brown and fawn.

And despite sometimes being negatively portrayed, a member of Bolton's RSPCA branch said that rats make excellent pets.

Kathy Kay said: "They are very attractive animals and have a lot going for them.

"They are very intelligent and friendly and a lot easier to handle than mice or gerbils.

"But potential owners should realise that looking after a pet is a serious responsibility with feeding, and money need for vet fees and equipment like cages."

Branch administrator Kathy Kay said: "It's such a disappointment that someone could do this.

"You lose faith in human nature with people passing the buck like this."

For information about looking after the rats, contact the RSPCA centre on 307633 or 521160.