163 Rats Rescued in Massachusetts Find New Homes

When MSPCA-Angell received a call about rats needing help in Essex County, Massachusetts, they had no idea they'd be walking into their largest rodent rescue in at least five years.

On February 9, the organization's law enforcement team removed 163 rats from a single property. The owner, overwhelmed but well-meaning, surrendered the animals to ensure they'd get proper care.

The sheer number of whiskered friends meant one shelter couldn't handle it alone. MSPCA-Angell quickly called six partner organizations across Massachusetts and New Hampshire for backup.

Within days, the rescue network sprang into action. The Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, Animal Rescue League of Boston, New Hampshire SPCA, and Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire all stepped up to help.

Today, 53 rats remain in MSPCA-Angell's care, split among their shelters in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville. The rest are settling into their temporary homes at partner shelters, all waiting for adopters to fall in love with them.

"This is the largest surrender of its kind we've seen in at least five years," said Mike Keiley, vice president of MSPCA-Angell's animal protection division. The number represents nearly 60% more rats than the organization adopted out in all of 2024.

Many of the female rats are currently on gestation hold, which means even more tiny paws will need homes soon. The shelters are actively seeking rat lovers ready to welcome these smart, social animals into their families.

The Ripple Effect

This rescue showcases how animal welfare organizations support each other during crises. When one shelter faces an overwhelming situation, the entire network responds.

The collaborative effort ensures each rat receives individual attention and medical care. Instead of one shelter struggling with limited resources, seven organizations share the responsibility.

Keiley emphasized the importance of working with owners who love their animals but need help. "Sometimes that means helping with resources, other times it means facilitating a surrender, which was the case here," he explained.

The rescue team approached the situation with compassion rather than judgment. They recognized someone trying their best in a difficult situation and offered a solution that prioritized animal welfare.

Anyone interested in adopting can visit MSPCA-Angell's website or contact their partner shelters directly. These intelligent creatures make wonderful companions for the right families and deserve a second chance at happiness.