NEED TO KNOW
- Incident Summary: Police in Eugene, Ore., discovered over 100 pet rats living in poor conditions inside two parked cars.
- Conditions: The rats lacked food and water, with the vehicles filled with rat feces and trash.
- Rescue Update: The city’s humane society took in 52 rats, with three giving birth to 18 babies shortly after.
Police were alerted to the situation after two vehicles were towed on September 23, leading to an investigation. Officers noted the presence of rat feces, damaged seat cushions, and a lack of basic care for the animals.
Despite the owner’s attempts to rescue the rats using yogurt, many remained elusive. A total of 52 rats were eventually captured and taken to Greenhill Humane Society, where staff reported an inadequate living environment for the animals. A significant number of rats are believed to still be living in the cars, which are in the process of being managed by animal welfare officers.
The case is ongoing under neglect investigation, and authorities have urged the public to report any further sightings or unusual odors related to the situation.
