Staff at a Gateshead farm have spoken of their sadness after they found a hamster had been dumped in its recycling bin on Wednesday afternoon.
Bill Quay Farm posted on its Facebook page that a member of staff had made the disconcerting discovery and it was unclear whether that hamster had died before or after being put in the bin. The reason for the pet being dumped in the bin is also unclear.
The farm, which is on Hainingwood Terrace in Gateshead, encouraged anyone who was struggling to look after their pets due to the cost of living crisis to reach out, rather than to dispose of an animal in such a way - if indeed that was the reason. Pets have suffered throughout the cost of living crisis with some unable to maintain paying for food or vets bills for their furry friends.
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A post on Bill Quay Farm's Facebook page read: "A member of staff found a hamster cage dumped in our recycling bin this afternoon and, upon investigating, we sadly found the hamster still in the cage. The hamster was sadly, very recently, deceased and we are unsure if she was deceased when she was put in the bin or if she died whilst in there.
"We understand the cost of living crisis is hard on us all, especially those with pets, and as such we would like to reiterate that we are here to help you and you’re furry friends. Please reach out to us if you’re struggling - if we cannot help, we’re very likely to know someone who can."
Staff also wrote: "Leaving the hamster, dead or alive, with its cage in a plastic bag in the recycling bin of the farm isn’t acceptable.
"We are a family farm, with a lot of young visitors and the majority of students have additional needs. All of whom were very upset upon the whole thing being discovered."
Social media users shared their sympathies, with one person saying: "Even if she passed away before putting in the bin, the little one deserved better. It's cruel in its very nature to have done this."
Another said: "Disgraceful, it's really upset me", while a third added: "How cruel."
To find out more about how to look after your pet if you can't afford their vet's bills, take a look at this article.
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