The terrified pair were found in a back lane off Roker Avenue, Sunderland, after it is believed their owner dumped them.

Pet shop boss Chris Higgins has taken in the pair – named Chipper and Cherry – and is now looking for an experienced chinchilla owner to give them a home.

Chris, who runs Abi's Animal Ark in Derwent Street, Sunderland, said: "I think they are about 18 months old. I don't usually have chinchillas in the shop but I do have a licence to sell them.

"These two seem to be in good health. They've had a sandbath, which they enjoyed. Chipper is a bit grumpy, but they've probably had a fright.

"I think people need to look into things a bit more and think long and hard before they get animals."

Chinchillas are rodents and originate from the Andes in South America.

Chris stressed the frightened pair will need a new owner who has experience of caring for chinchillas, as he believes Chipper and Cherry are a couple and says Cherry may already be pregnant."

If you can offer them a home, contact Chris, tel. 07974 197342.