RATS, gerbils, rabbits, ducks and birds will soon get extra protection when the RSPCA home in Landing Lane, York, opens a new £180,000 small animal centre.

The centre will contain 36 rabbit hutches and runs, as well as a pond, an aviary and new rat cages.

Home manager Elaine Murdoch said: "We have never had proper accommodation for small animals before.

Now the rabbits will be able to be in their runs outside rather than staying in their hutches all day."

The team at the RSPCA is very keen to find homes for the 48 rats currently in their care. Elaine said: "We are absolutely inundated with rats. People buy them and let them breed. They usually have about 14 babies which can cause problems for the owners.

"We desperately need homes for the rats. They are all over the place. There is a home for every animal somewhere."

Updated: 11:03 Tuesday, September 09, 2003