New Hampshire Shelter Seeks Help After Influx of Surrendered Mice
A New Hampshire shelter is facing an urgent situation following the surrender of over 400 mice from a man overwhelmed by their care. On Monday, the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) received three large plastic tubs containing 73 mice from the man, who disclosed that he had around 150 tanks housing the animals in his home. Upon further investigation, shelter staff discovered that the mice were not separated by sex, resulting in uncontrolled reproduction.
By Tuesday morning, an estimated 400 additional mice had been rescued, with the potential intake of up to 1,000 mice as the situation develops, due to the species’ rapid reproductive cycle, which has a gestation period of just 20 days. The shelter reported that the mice lived in "filthy" conditions before their arrival, but are now being cared for in clean environments with access to food and water.
Savannah Alcero, the Director of Animal and Veterinary Services at the NHSPCA, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We have never seen anything like this. The longer we wait to get all of the mice out of their terrible living conditions, the greater the likelihood is that the numbers will continue to grow,” she stated.
These mice, raised as pets, are typically friendly and social, making them suitable for adoption. While some will be available for adoption this Thursday, others that are pregnant or in need of medical care will remain with the shelter for the time being. The NHSPCA has reached out to other shelters and humane societies in the New England area for assistance in managing and transferring the influx of mice to ensure their welfare.
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