250 Rescued Rodents In New Hampshire Need Homes For The Holidays

STRATHAM, NH — The New Hampshire SPCA urgently needs mouse and rat adopters after more than 800 were surrendered from a single Seacoast home.

Just over one month after this unprecedented influx of domestic mice and African soft furred rats, the New Hampshire SPCA will be attempting to find homes for the remaining 250 pet rodents, in just one weekend. This unprecedented surrender, dubbed Mouse-ageddon by some and an Enor-mouse problem by others, has been exceedingly difficult for staff, volunteers and the animals.

On Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15, the NHSPCA will be waving adoption fees on all mice/rats and providing starter kits for the adopters to provide a wonderful home environment for their new furry friends. The starter kits will include a tank, bedding and other essentials.

The saga of the large group of mice began on Nov. 11, when a Seacoast resident surrendered a total of over 800 domestic mice and African soft furred rats over the course of a week. We are grateful that we were able to be here for the animals and that the people got the help that they needed. Our community has been incredibly supportive and anxious to hear the outcome for this incredibly difficult story.

Upon arrival here at the NHSPCA, we began caring for the animals, providing fresh bedding, food, and water, and of course separating them by gender to avoid any additional pregnancies. Many of the female mice were already expecting when they arrived. Now, a month later, those that were being held on pregnancy watch are being made ready for adoption.

“It is important to remember that the mice involved are not common field mice. These are pet mice, and African soft-furred rats. They are friendly, sweet, and curious. They are highly social and prefer to live in groups or pairs,” Lisa Dennison, the executive director of the SPCA, said. “It’s so much fun to just watch them play on their wheels or with their toys, or just burrowing or eating a sweet treat.” Mice and Rats are fairly low maintenance pets that need quality food and a humane habitat that is cleaned regularly. They can be hand tamed over time as they become more comfortable with their new family. Many of our staff, many who had had no previous interactions with mice, fell in love with their quirky and fun personalities and have adopted some into their families.

The NHSPCA has received feedback from some people that don’t fully understand the level of commitment to the mice and rats in our care. It’s simple really, Our Vision Statement is clear, “A safe and loving home for every animal”, is what we aspire to.

Hundreds of the over 800 received have been adopted or transferred to fellow humane organizations all over New England. We are enormously grateful to the following for their assistance in adopting out some of our mice/rats: Providence Animal Rescue League, Potter League for Animals, Our Companions Animal Rescue, Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland, Midcoast Humane Society, Mainely Rat Rescue, Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, Animal Welfare Society, Pope Memorial Cocheco Valley, MSPCA-Nevins Farm, MSPCA-Angell and Dakin Humane Society.

“Come adopt a tiny creature filled with love this weekend and bring them home for the holidays”, said Sheila Ryan, Director of Development and Marketing. “You’ll be so glad you did.”

Those unable to adopt but wishing to help in the care of these and future animals in need, can donate to the SOS Fund at https://bit.ly/sosfundnhspca. Gifts to the SOS Fund can also be made by phone at 603-772-2921 x 120 or by mail: New Hampshire SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885.

About the New Hampshire SPCA: The mission of the New Hampshire SPCA is to save the lives of companion animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption; to promote learning, eliminate animal cruelty and be a leader in advancing the highest standards of animal welfare. Adoption Center hours are from 11am – 4pm on every day except closed on Wednesday. For more information about the New Hampshire SPCA, please visit www.nhspca.org

Follow the New Hampshire SPCA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewHampshireSPCA.

Submitted by The New Hampshire SPCA.