Lindsay with some of the small animals which need new homes

THE sex of animals is causing problems for animal charities.

Kathy Kay from the RSPCA says that there currently seems to be a glut of small animals like mice, hamsters and gerbils.

This is because unsuspecting new owners buy what they are told are two of the same sex, only to discover weeks later that they are the proud owners of a mum, dad and umpteen babies!

Some species have up to 10 in a litter and the capability of breeding every few weeks, so the situation rapidly gets out of hand.

"Pet shops rarely take back the unwanted offspring and, of course, the owners turn to the RSPCA for help," adds Kathy.

Helpers there are taking home these unwanted pets, and the charity is advertising them each week in the BEN "but there are more animals than there are good homes."

Kathy asks that anyone able to offer a good home to mice, gerbils or hamsters should contact one of the foster mums Lindsay Bird on 01204-792854.

And Kathy offers a word of advice to potential owners: "Always ask for two separate opinions as to the sex of the animals you are buying, and study diagrams in pet guides so that you can confirm or question the opinion given."

"Ring the RSPCA for advice by all means," states Kathy. "But ask the manager at the shop where you bought them if he will take back the offspring."