Appeal after hamster found trapped in cavity wall

SCOTLAND’S leading animal welfare charity is trying to track down the owner of a “very lucky hamster” found trapped inside the cavity wall of a house in Lanarkshire.

Apple the hamster was found trapped in a cavity wall in a house in Lanarkshire. Picture: Scottish SPCA

Officers from the Scottish SPCA were called in to rescue the hapless hamster after a resident of Balloch Road in Shotts noticed the cream-coloured female rodents’ nose sticking out of a small hole near water pipeson Saturday.

The adventurous rodent, believed to have been trapped inside the wall for at least a day, was safely retrieved unharmed and taken to the Scottish SPCA’s Lanarkshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre where she is currently being cared for. Staff have named her Apple.

Animal Rescue Officer Kerry Friel said: “The man who found Apple said that he’d first noticed her nose sticking out of a small hole in his wall so he arranged for a neighbour to cut out a larger hole, however,

once they’d done this the hamster disappeared.

“He decided to attach a pillowcase to the wall and six hours later Appleappeared and dropped into the case, he then called us to come and collect her.”

She continued: “We checked her over for injuries, thankfully there were none, and offered her some food and water. She was very thirsty and drank for quite some time, suggesting she had been stuck in the wall for at leasta day, possibly more.

“We’re very grateful to the man who rescued Apple, he’s clearly an animal lover and went to great lengths to help out this poor wee girl.”

Ms Friel explained: “He doesn’t think Apple belongs to his nearest neighbours so we’re appealing for her owner to come forward. If no-one claims Apple then we’ll find her a loving new home where she’ll hopefully keep herself out of mischief.”

Anyone who recognises Apple the hamster is being asked to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.