This weekend, six abandoned rats have been given a second chance at life after being rescued from a public field where they were left to fend for themselves. The rats, discovered in their cage by a vigilant SPCA Guardian, were immediately assisted by compassionate individuals who reached out for help.
The rats are now safe in our care, touching us with their sweetness and gentle nature. Despite the challenging circumstances, they are remarkably affectionate and trusting.
Sadly, one of the little guys was diagnosed with cancer, which highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for increased awareness about the welfare of small animals and rodents.
Rats are intelligent, extremely social and enjoy human interaction. That is why they are so popular as pets. Rats and smaller animals sold in pet stores are often purchased from rodent farms, where they are kept in poor conditions and purely for profit. Females are often kept in the same tub as males and bred repeatedly to exhaustion with minimal interaction with humans. By the time the rats reach pet stores, they are malnourished and difficult to handle. Certain genetics of varieties (colours) that are bred together cause major health issues and even blindness.
These are some of the main reasons why rats are abandoned. Love and compassion can make a world of difference for these often overlooked and misunderstood animals. The SPCA doesn’t support the breeding of animals and wild animals should be left in the wild. In these cases, and if suitable, we will find a loving and caring home.
