Charity workers were disgusted by the worst conditions experienced by live animals they have seen.

Four hamsters, eight guinea pigs and three rabbits were discovered in a Mitcham house in some of the worst conditions imaginable after they were left abandoned in tiny hutches, which were completely covered in maggots and their own faeces.

Police attended the house in Cheshire Close, Mitcham, on Saturday, October 1, after they were called by the property’s landlord to oversee the eviction of a tenant.

Delia Cordell, who founded Epsom-based animal rescue charity Bobtails Rescue 10 years ago with her husband Jim, said the animals were lucky to be alive.

Mrs Cordell said: “The smell was just unbelievably bad and this is the worst condition I have ever seen small animals left in.

“Their feet were sore, they were bleeding from the inside and they probably had to feed on their own babies just to stay alive.

“You could actually hear a loud popping noise. It was the sound of the maggots eating their way through what must have been four inches of faeces.”

PC Emma Cliffin from Merton police contacted Bobtail Rescue after the RSPCA was unable to help and said she had been upset after seeing the condition of animals.

Her colleague, chief inspector Mark Lawrence, said: “Cases like this are really distressing, but community partners like the Bobtails Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue make a huge difference.

“Their support and animal care has been invaluable. We are looking at the evidence of this case, to consider the best course of action.”

Bobtails Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue can be contacted on 020 8393 2016 or email: bobtailsrescue@aol.com.