New Hampshire SPCA Faces a Mouse-Invasion Crisis
Stratham, N.H. – The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) is grappling with an unprecedented surge of mice, stemming from the staggering surrender of nearly 1,000 rodents by a single overwhelmed owner. The situation began on Monday when a man arrived intending to relinquish 150 containers of mice. By Friday morning, approximately 450 mice had been transferred to the shelter, with another 500 on the way.
Lisa Dennison, the executive director of NHSPCA, described the situation as "crippling." With female mice reaching sexual maturity at just six weeks, their rapid reproduction has added to the challenge. Dennison noted that in just a short time, many of the already surrendered mice have given birth, leading to an "exponential problem."
To cope with the influx, the shelter has transformed part of its cat pavilion into a makeshift mouse facility, where containers are lined up on the floor, tables, and shelves. Providing adequate care, including food, water, and bedding, has become a monumental task for the staff, who are accustomed to managing far fewer animals.
In an effort to alleviate the strain, other shelters have agreed to help by taking some of the mice, while some have found temporary homes with local fosters. As part of the solution, some of the mice have been made available for adoption, with a few already finding new homes.
The community has rallied to support the shelter’s efforts, with volunteers stepping up and donations pouring in. Local resident Elisha Murray, inspired by the shelter’s plight, decided to adopt four mice, despite previously telling her children they wouldn’t take in more rodents.
For more information about adopting or supporting NHSPCA during this challenging time, please visit their website.
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