Eugene police investigate animal neglect after more than 100 pet rats found inside two vehicles with little food and water

Eugene, OR – Eugene police and animal welfare officials removed more than 100 pet rats from two vehicles in Eugene after discovering the animals living in dirty and overcrowded conditions.

At about 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23, Eugene Police Department officers and EPD Animal Welfare were called to assist with two vehicles being towed from Cheshire Avenue and Washington Street.

One of the vehicles, a blue Saturn, had a tarp covering the top. When an officer pulled back the tarp, several rats were visible inside.

Police said the rats were different colors and sizes, while rat feces covered areas throughout the vehicle. Officers also found chewed seat cushions, trash, no food and very little water inside.

The owner of the rats, who told officers he had rescued them, attempted to help capture the animals using yogurt. However, police said the rats were extremely difficult to catch. Additional rats were later discovered inside the man’s nearby gold Suburban.

A patrol officer managed to capture several rats, but there were too many animals to remove at the scene.

The vehicles were eventually towed to a towing yard, where additional rats were recovered from inside both vehicles.

At Greenhill Humane Society, staff unloaded 52 rats from eight cages. Staff reported that the area where the rats had been kept was dirty and inadequate for the number of animals.

Several of the rats were also suffering from acute and chronic medical conditions, according to Greenhill. Three of the rats gave birth to a total of 18 newborn rats shortly after arriving at the facility.

Police said a large number of rats are still believed to be inside the vehicles. The Animal Welfare Unit is continuing to provide food and water for the remaining animals until Greenhill has enough space to take them.

The case remains open as a neglect investigation.

Eugene police asked residents to remain vigilant and report anything unusual, including situations involving unusual sights or smells, to authorities.