17 Rats Brought to Ottawa Humane Society on Long Weekend

May 25, 2023 — The OHS is struggling to care for 16 stray rats brought to its care over the Victoria Day long weekend. The rats – all male and predominantly juvenile — were found in a cage outdoors in the Britannia Park area. Many of the rats are underweight and in poor health; one has already died.

The large admission is placing a strain on the resources of the already-stretched shelter as seasonal admissions increase.

Dr. Shelley Hutchings, OHS chief veterinarian, said “The sad reality is, had these animals been surrendered to the OHS rather than left to fend for themselves, their prognosis would be better.”

The OHS’s small animal population was already at crisis levels. In addition to 27 rabbits, Guinea pigs, rats and other small animals available for adoption, 14 small animals are still being assessed for adoption, and 34 are staying in foster homes. The shelter had already scheduled an intake of more than 20 Guinea pigs in the coming week.

“This seems to be an example of the fallout of the high demand for pets during the pandemic,” Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO Sharon Miko said. “As demand decreases, some pets are now harder to rehome and are being abandoned at increased rates.” Miko emphasized the OHS is available for anyone — regardless of circumstances — who has a pet they can no longer care for.

The OHS is urging the public to prevent the suffering of small animals caught up in unethical pet sales by acquiring pets responsibly. Don’t support online pet sales from breeders, when so many small animals are waiting in shelter for their forever home. Do your research before getting a pet, make sure you have the resources to care for a pet and ask important questions before bringing home a new pet.

Photos of the rats are available for media use.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Manager: Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca