A PET-owner is warning others to be vigilant after her four mice bred to 133, forcing her to ring an animal charity for help.

The RSPCA collected the animals last week from a house in Sutton Scotney and took them to the Ark in Stubbington to prepare them for rehoming.

The owner, who asked not to be named, said she bought what she thought were four female mice. She warned others to be careful when buying pets.

“It got out of control,” she said.

“I thought they were my responsibility but then I realised that I couldn’t look after them all. I couldn’t get anyone to take them either in case I gave them a pregnant female.”

She said it took about eight months for the numbers to grow.

“They can have up to 20 babies at a time. It’s a bit of a warning for people that it just takes one error for it to happen. Maybe that’s why you don’t see mice in pet shops very often these days.”

RSPCA inspector Jan Edwards, who has also been involved in the case of the nine dumped poodle-crosses near Winchester, said the charity is not pressing charges.

“She’s a very nice lady but just got herself in to a pickle,” she said.

“She was caring for them well.”