New Hampshire Shelter Faces Influx of Mice, Struggles to Cope
Stratham, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) is reeling from a sudden and overwhelming influx of mice, following the surrender of nearly 1,000 rodents in just a few days. Executive Director Lisa Dennison described the situation as "crippling," as the shelter attempts to manage the rapid reproduction of these small animals.
The unexpected surge began on Monday when an individual arrived intending to relinquish 150 containers of mice. The reality quickly set in as he presented 73 mice on that day alone, and by Friday morning, the total had ballooned to approximately 450, with another 500 expected to arrive soon. Many of the new arrivals were pregnant, complicating the situation significantly.
"One of the challenges is that the gestation is short and breeding begins early," Dennison explained. "It’s an enormous problem. This is something that got out of control significantly." In an effort to accommodate the rodents, part of the shelter’s cat pavilion has been repurposed into a makeshift "mouse hospital and hotel," where containers are organized on floors, tables, and shelves.
This influx poses logistical challenges for a facility that has historically managed smaller intakes; for comparison, the NHSPCA had previously handled a maximum of 125 animals in one day. Other animal shelters have stepped in to assist by accepting some of the mice, while others are being sent to foster homes. In a small silver lining, at least four mice were adopted on Friday, indicating a glimmer of hope amidst the crisis.
As the shelter continues to seek solutions, it highlights the necessity of responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Photo credit kstp.com
