More Than 120 ‘Pet’ Rats Rescued From 2 Towed Vehicles In Oregon

Authorities in Oregon say more than 120 pet rats were removed from two towed vehicles filled with feces and trash.

The Eugene Police Department said the incident began when EPD Animal Welfare officers were called at around 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23 to assist when two parked cars being towed from Cheshire Avenue and Washington Street were found to be filled with rodents.

A blue Saturn had a tarp draped over it, and when an officer pulled it up, multiple rats were seen inside the vehicle. The rats were “all different colors and sizes,” and with no food and “very little water” in the vehicle, they had chewed the seat cushions and trash. More rats were found in a nearby gold Suburban.

Police said the owner of the rats claimed to have rescued them, and “attempted to help capture the rats with yogurt.”

The rats “proved extremely challenging to catch,” however. “A Patrol officer captured a handful of rats, but there were too many to catch,” police said.

At the Greenhill Humane Society, staff initially unloaded 52 rats from eight cages. Staff said the space was dirty and inadequate for so many rats, and that several of the animals were suffering from “acute and chronic medical conditions.” Three of the rats gave birth to a total of 18 newborns soon after intake.

The vehicles were towed to the towing yard, where yet more rats were discovered inside both vehicles. Police said “a large number” of rats were believed to still be inside the vehicles and that animal welfare officers were continuing to provide food and water until they could all be recovered and sent to Greenhill.

By Sept. 29, Greenhill Humane Society said it had taken in more than 120 rats in connection with the case, marking “the largest intake of rats in Greenhill’s history,” and more were still expected.

The rescue said the rats are not yet ready to adopt, but they are seeking donations, volunteers and foster homes to assist.

Police said the investigation into possible animal neglect remains ongoing.