Man calls police to report ex-girlfriend for leaving hamster 'looking like a fat little pig'

'Fat little pig: Police called after woman 'overfed hamster'
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Jamie Micklethwaite17 September 2016

A concerned pet owner dialled 101 to report his ex-girlfriend for overfeeding his hamster.

Northumbria Police received the call from the startled man, claiming his ex had left his hamster “looking like a fat little pig”.

The force has released the details of several 101 calls made over the past year in an attempt to cut down on unnecessary calls.

Police were also called by a woman complaining that the relish on her burger was too spicy and by a man whose toilet was overflowing.

The force has claimed that 15 per cent of the 1million calls a year to their 101 number are non-police matters and this is costing taxpayers around £200,000.

Chief Superintendent Sav Patsalos said: “These calls to our 101 service mean our call handlers act as a referral service rather than being able to help those in need.

"This campaign isn't about trying to embarrass people as the majority of people will genuinely think that we will be able to help them with whatever situation they find themselves in.

"What we are trying to do is educate people about when it is appropriate to call the police and when it is appropriate to contact another organisation.”

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