Hundreds of pet rats rescued from condemned NYC home
NEW YORK, Jan 23: Animal rescue volunteers are working urgently to rehome hundreds of pet rats found in a filthy, condemned house in Rocky Point, New York, about 70 miles east of Manhattan.
Over the past two weeks, a team of roughly ten volunteers from the Strong Island Animal Rescue League has been rounding up the domesticated white rodents, which were hiding throughout the house and inside walls
Frankie Floridia, the group’s president, said they have captured over 450 rats so far, with around 30 remaining, as a major winter storm approaches.
Many of the rats are suffering from health issues including mites, eye infections, and bite wounds.
Volunteers are working with a local animal hospital to nurse the rats back to health.
Only about ten have been euthanized, while more than 200 have already been placed in permanent or temporary homes, including foster care and adoption by local families.
Rescue groups in Virginia, Connecticut, and other states have also helped, taking in over 50 rats and assisting with their safe transport.
Floridia stressed that the rats are clean, friendly, and capable of being wonderful pets.
Kutzing noted that the infestation appears to have gotten out of control rather than being a deliberate breeding operation.
Rats reproduce rapidly, with litters of nearly a dozen every 20 days, and can reach maturity within weeks. Such situations can escalate quickly, particularly in cases of hoarding, she said.
The homeowner faces charges of animal cruelty, neglect, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police revealed a toddler had been living in unsanitary conditions where floors were covered in rat feces and urine, while rodents roamed freely.
The homeowner pleaded not guilty at a recent arraignment.
Volunteers continue their efforts to capture the remaining rats and ensure their relocation to safe homes before the approaching storm.
Both Floridia and Kutzing emphasized giving the animals a second chance and highlighted the dedication of the rescue teams in addressing this unprecedented situation. (AP)
