Oregon police tow 2 parked cars, then uncover 100-plus pet rats and 18 newborns

What began as a routine towing job in Eugene, Oregon, quickly escalated when officers found rats living inside.

Here's what to know

According to KMVT, the situation unfolded around 10:30 a.m. on September 23, when police and animal welfare workers were called to a towing scene involving two vehicles.

Eugene police said they found more than 100 pet rats in a blue Saturn and a gold Suburban — with 18 more being born after some of the animals were brought to a shelter. The Saturn was in severe condition, with rat droppings throughout, damaged seat cushions, trash, and almost no food or water.

According to police, the rats were pets who were rescued. The owner said they tried to help get them out of the vehicles by using yogurt, but they were too difficult to catch. 

What's being done?

Greenhill Humane Society took in 52 rats during the initial removal with no room for more. The rest of the rats were left in the vehicles, which were taken to the towing yard.

Until more space is available at Greenhill, animal welfare workers will continue bringing food and water to the rats left in the vehicles. 

Police said the case remains open as a neglect investigation.

Where can I learn more?

Here are more stories that center on animal welfare and urban wildlife concerns. 

• At Lake Tahoe, residents pulled something like 150 rats from a flood-damaged rental home.

• At Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, officers found a boa constrictor slithering through local streets.

• In Tucson's Pantano Wash, intentional poisoning caused deaths of pets and wildlife.

• In urban neighborhoods, officials warned of a growing number of incidents involving coyotes and dogs.

• Near a wildlife sanctuary in India, officials issued urgent warning over damage tied to rhesus macaques.

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