The BC SPCA’s Victoria Branch is asking for help from the public after 97 domestic rats were surrendered into care this week from a downtown low-income residence. The former owner of the animals is in hospital and no longer able to care for them.

“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. She says the rats range in age from three weeks to two years, and many of them are pregnant. “Some people are skittish when it comes to domestic rats but they are actually intelligent and social animals who make great pets,” she says, noting that most of the surrendered rats are used to being handled and are very friendly.

Prittie Bell says the branch would greatly appreciate financial donations to help off-set the care of the animals until homes can be found, as well as hand towels and other smaller towels, Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food and jars of baby food.

If you can help, please visit our donations page, or you can also visit the shelter in person at 3150 Napier Lane in Victoria.