SPCA investigates 350 abandoned rats, guinea pigs, mice found near Ithaca

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The SPCA of Tompkins County is investigating the abandonment of hundreds of small animals found in Danby and Dryden over the weekend.

More than 300 guinea pigs, rats, mice and gerbils were recovered Sunday at two separate locations: Michigan Hollow road in the Town of Danby, and Caswell Road in the Town of Dryden.

"We're probably closer to 350 living and deceased animals at this point," said Joe Hoffer, SPCA senior investigator. "There's no telling how many are still in the forest that we're not able to locate."

Many of the animals were deceased by the time officers and volunteers arrived.

Guinea pigs typically live in a warm climate, Hoffer said, and many did not survive. However, the rats were quite hardy, while the mice and gerbils are "iffy."

In addition to exposure, the animals showed symptoms related to lack of hydration and exhibited wounds consistent to overpopulated conditions.

"We believe this is someone who is likely breeding 'feeder' animals for reptiles, to be sold to pet stores," Hoffer said.

Under New York law, the abandonment of an animal is a misdemeanor "punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both."

When the person or persons who abandoned the animals is found, they will be charged with "several hundred charges" related to the crime, Hoffer said.

The surviving animals are being cared for by the SPCA of Tompkins County.

"We're reaching out to rescue groups and fosters. We're looking for help with specialized food and bedding for the animals, said Jim Boudreau, SPCA executive director.

"We've already had a lot of people call and express their concern," Hoffer said. "It's always a great thing to see the community come together and rally behind these causes."

The Tompkins County SPCA is asking anyone with knowledge of two separate (but likely related) incidents in which a large number of rodents were dumped roadside at two different locations in Tompkins County (likely at some point late Saturday evening/early Sunday) to contact the SPCA’s Humane officers at 607-592-6773 or by email at investigator@spcaonline.com.