Animal control was called to woman’s home in Cary, North Carolina, after a welfare check revealed that 252 rats, two dogs, one cat, two lizards, and one turtle were living in her modest home.
Crews donning Hazmat suits were seen removing cages of live rats which were later determined to be a domestic breed commonly kept as pets. Neighbors had called for authorities to respond after several sightings of the rats near her home and in the streets.
One neighbor said of the woman, “We just thought of her as a cat and dog lady … she stays inside a lot. We had no idea about the rats.”
Director of Public Safety Allen Cain said, “All the pets that we’re aware of right now are allowed, they’re considered domesticated pets and they’re allowed by ordinance. But the number is concerning and that’s what led to the welfare check and the safety for those pets inside.”
