Shades of "Ben" at the BC SPCA Victoria Branch after an intake of 97 domestic rats.
The rodents were surrendered into care this week from a downtown low-income residence. SPCA officials say the former owner of the animals is in hospital and no longer able to care for them.
Annie Prittie Bell, manager of the Victoria SPCA, says the rats range in age from three weeks to two years, and many of them are pregnant.
Prittie Bell says the branch would greatly appreciate financial donations to help off-set the care of the animals until homes can be found, as well as hand towels and other smaller towels, Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat Food and jars of baby food.
If you can help, please visit spca.bc.ca/support or visit the shelter at 3150 Napier Lane, Victoria.