Sun Sep 15 17:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Whanganui SPCA Rescues Dozens of Surrendered Rats, Some Travel by Ferry to New Homes
**Whanganui, New Zealand:** In a recent incident involving a large number of surrendered pet rats, the SPCA Whanganui branch, with the assistance of Fire and Emergency NZ, removed the animals from a local property. While the exact number of rats remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns, the SPCA confirmed that the animals were taken into their care in May 2023.
Some of the rats were adopted locally, while others found new homes in Hamilton, Gisborne, and even the South Island. The SPCA’s custom-built animal transport vehicle, equipped with air conditioning, cameras, and water tanks, facilitated the transport of the rats to Christchurch via ferry.
The SPCA expressed gratitude to Whanganui residents who fostered the rats while they awaited adoption. They emphasized the importance of desexing companion animals, as female rats can produce multiple litters of pups annually, contributing to the national overpopulation crisis.
The SPCA Whanganui subsequently posted on its Facebook page about the availability of adorable baby rats for adoption, highlighting the intelligence, sociability, and affectionate nature of these animals.
Fire and Emergency NZ played a role in the initial response, assessing the air quality within the property to ensure the safety of personnel involved in the removal of the rats.
While the exact reasons for the rat surrender remain undisclosed, the SPCA emphasized that rat urine and faeces can carry harmful diseases, posing a health risk to humans.
First Piper 