In an unprecedented turn of events, the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) finds itself grappling with a staggering influx of nearly 1,000 mice. The rodents were recently surrendered by a man who arrived at the shelter claiming he wanted to give up 150 mice, but later clarified that he meant 150 containers of mice.
Lisa Dennison, executive director of the SPCA, described the situation as “crippling,” with the organization scrambling to provide care for the overwhelming number of rapidly reproducing rodents. The shelter, which has converted part of its cat pavilion into a makeshift mouse hotel, is now faced with the daunting task of logging each mouse into their database, providing food, water, and bedding for the tiny creatures.
An Exponential Problem
The challenges posed by this unusual surrender are compounded by the mice’s rapid reproduction rate. Female mice reach sexual maturity at around six weeks old, have a gestation period of just 20 days, and can mate again a mere 24 hours after giving birth. Dennison noted that even in the short time since the mice arrived, many have already given birth, leading to an exponential growth in numbers.
To put the scale of the problem into perspective, if the mice were lined up nose to tail, they would span more than a football field. There are enough mice to give one to every member of the US Congress and the 424-member New Hampshire legislature combined – and the total continues to grow.
Overwhelming Numbers
The New Hampshire SPCA is no stranger to taking in large numbers of animals, having previously accepted 54 goats and 39 cats in a single day. However, the hundreds upon hundreds of mice have proven to be a far more daunting challenge. The shelter’s staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure each mouse is properly documented and cared for, but the sheer volume of rodents is straining their resources.
“It does happen where you take a large number, but even when we took in 54 goats or we took in 39 cats, I mean, those are still large numbers, but much more manageable as you can imagine than hundreds and hundreds of mice.”
– Lisa Dennison, Executive Director of the New Hampshire SPCA
Community Support and Adoption Efforts
In response to this overwhelming situation, other animal shelters have stepped up to take in some of the mice, while foster homes are also being sought to help alleviate the burden on the SPCA. The shelter is actively seeking donations of food supplies to help care for their unexpected guests.
Despite the challenges, the SPCA staff have found moments of levity, naming some of the mice after staff members and volunteers, as well as giving them candy-inspired monikers like Butterfinger, Junior Mint, and Milk Dud. A dozen mice were ready for adoption on Friday, eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
Local residents have also been moved by the shelter’s plight, with some stepping up to adopt the mice despite initial hesitations. Elisha Murray, a local resident who heard about the situation on the news, decided to adopt four female mice named Kelly, Dee, Maxine, and Eleven. “We’ve always had small rodents as pets – rats, mice, hamsters, the whole nine – so I just figured I could help out,” Murray explained.
The Road Ahead
As the New Hampshire SPCA navigates this unprecedented situation, they remain committed to providing the best possible care for the hundreds of mice now in their charge. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, with the mice’s rapid reproduction rate necessitating swift action and creative solutions.
The shelter’s staff and volunteers are working around the clock to ensure each mouse receives the attention and care it deserves, while also managing the logistical challenges posed by such a large and growing population. With the support of the community, foster homes, and other animal welfare organizations, the SPCA is determined to weather this storm and find loving homes for as many of these tiny creatures as possible.
This extraordinary tale of nearly 1,000 surrendered mice serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role animal shelters play in our communities and the importance of supporting their efforts. As the New Hampshire SPCA continues to grapple with this unexpected crisis, it is clear that their dedication, resourcefulness, and compassion will be put to the ultimate test.
