A whopping 97 domestic rats were surrendered to the Victoria SPCA from a low-income residence in downtown earlier this week.
The rodents are being looked after by the SPCA as their owner had to be admitted to the hospital and can no longer take care of them.
The nonprofit animal welfare organization is now looking for people to adopt the rats, who range in age from three weeks to two years, especially since many of them are pregnant and there isn’t enough space for all of them to live at the shelter.
According to the SPCA, most of the rats are friendly and used to being handled.
“Obviously this intake of 97 small animals is putting a strain on our space and resources and there is a possibility that more may be coming in from the same residence,” says Annie Prittie Bell, manager of the Victoria SPCA.
“Some people are skittish when it comes to domestic rats but they are actually intelligent and social animals who make great pets,” she says.
Until they can be re-homed, the SPCA is asking for financial donations as well as hand towels and other smaller towels, Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food, and jars of baby food, in order to offset the costs of caring for the rats.
Click here to donate to the shelter, or visit them in person at 3150 Napier Lane.
