RATS! Victoria SPCA overrun with surrendered pet rats

Baby rats. Older rats. Pregnant rats.

They are among 97 of the rodents — and counting — handed over to the British Columbia SPCA in Victoria after the owner was hospitalized and unable to keep them.

Now, the the branch is asking for help to care for the sudden influx of so many small animals.

“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,” Annie Prittie Bell, manager of the Victoria SPCA, said in a statement.

The domestic rats, which range from three weeks to two-years-old, all lived at the same downtown low-income home.

There are no signs of neglect.

One of the dozens of rats surrendered in downtown Victoria. Photo: Victoria SPCA

Most of the surrendered animals are very friendly. They are used to being handled.

“Some people are skittish when it comes to domestic rats but they are actually intelligent and social animals who make great pets,” Bell added.

In the meantime, the SPCA is looking for financial donations as well as small towels, Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food and jars of baby food.

BC SPCA Victoria Branch is asking the public for help after 97 domestic rats were surrendered into care this week. The branch is asking for hand towels, jars of baby food and Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food and financial donations. Read more: https://t.co/RttaE2cIj7

— BC SPCA / BCSPCA (@BC_SPCA) December 1, 2018