Cats, finches and rats: NHSPCA overwhelmed by animals in need of homes. Here's how to help
STRATHAM — The New Hampshire SPCA is urging people to adopt or donate as it faces a surge of 217 animals in care.
The shelter took in 36 cats, 30 finches and 30 rats in three separate incidents in the past four days. Officials said the new arrivals have added to the burden of lagging adoptions and recent longer lengths of stay for all animals.
“Three such large intakes of animals in just four days put a tremendous strain on our staff and resources,” said Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA.
On Thursday, March 7, the NHSPCA assisted a police department in executing a warrant that resulted with 36 cats surrendered, adding to the dozens already in care.
Then on Friday, March 8, the organization received a call from a large store in Greenland. They called for assistance as more than 30 domesticated rats were left in cages in their parking lot. Dennison said they took the abandoned pet rats into their care, and 11 of them had to be euthanized due to their condition.
Two days later, on March 10, the NHSPCA took in 30 pet finches.
Dennison said the family of a woman who died brought them in as they had no way to care for the birds.
“Our veterinary team is currently assessing all the animals and will address any medical needs,” said Dennison. “Many of the cats will need to be spayed or neutered before they will be ready for new homes, hopefully later this week. Fortunately, the finches and domestic rats are in good condition, and are already available for adoption.”
Dennison said they are looking for owners with experience in small animals, like pet rats and birds, as they have a longer average length of stay at the shelter than dogs or cats.
“There just are not as many people that desire these kinds of pets, and therefore spreading the word about this large number of animals in care is critically needed,” she said.
How you can help
1.) If you are interested in adopting, please visit www.nhspca.org/adoptable-animals for information and an adoption application.
2.) If you are unable to adopt at this time but would like to help the NHSPCA care for this surge of animals, please visit www.nhspca.org/donate-today to donate.
3.) The NHSPCA needs supplies for this unusually large and diverse population. Visit their Amazon wish list to purchase items for their care. Wish List – NHSPCA.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NHSPCA overwhelmed by 217 animals in need of homes: Here's how to help
