The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) recently announced that it has rescued 48 hamsters from a hoarding situation in Singapore.
Having taken in 24 of them, the organisation is now at above capacity and will not be able to take in other emergency cases.
As such, it is seeking fosterers to adopt the hamsters.
In a post on its Facebook and Instagram accounts on Tuesday (12 March), SPCA said that it rescued the hamsters with the help of Little Hammy Rescue Singapore and Hamster Society Singapore.
Source: SPCA Singapore on Facebook
The organisation has taken in 24 of the hamsters, mostly those that have old injuries or require medical attention.
However, this means SPCA is beyond its capacity and “will not be able to take in any other emergency cases until space is freed up”, it said.
Source: SPCA Singapore on Facebook
It is therefore looking for fosterers aged 21 and above to look after the hamsters.
“Fosterers with experience handling hamsters are preferred, though not necessary,” the organisation added.
SPCA also said that the minimum size for a hamster enclosure should be 80cm by 50cm.
Those who do not own a suitable enclosure but want to offer their assistance can contact SPCA.
Source: @spcasingapore on Instagram
Those who are unable to help but own enclosures in good condition that can be donated to SPCA can contact the organisation, too.
Drop offs of the enclosures will be at SPCA.
SPCA said fosterers “should care for the rescued hamsters like they are their own, until they find their forever homes”.
This means not only should fosterers provide a temporary home for the rescued hamsters, it also involves medical care, visits to the vet, and day-to-day care such as feeding and changing bedding.
“The SPCA will be able to provide follow-up veterinary care if fosterers are unable to bring them to their own clinics.”
Interested parties can fill up this form.
Speaking to MS News, SPCA said it received an alert by the Brahm Centre about a resident with 51 hamsters.
The resident had group-housed the hamsters in poor welfare conditions, with many acquiring injuries.
“Hamsters are solitary animals and prolific breeders. When housed in groups, they may breed excessively or get into fights with other hamsters,” SPCA said.
The organisation rescued the hamsters upon attending to the case. The 24 hamsters it had taken in were unwell, required immediate medical attention or had old injuries.
Little Hammy Rescue and Hamster Society Singapore had taken in the remaining 24.
After being treated and fostered, the hamsters will be put up for adoption.
SPCA had left behind three male hamsters for the owner to look after in three separate cages.
“This will prevent accidental breeding and overpopulation, but still allow the owner to retain a few companions,” SPCA said.
“While people may keep pets for companionship when they feel socially isolated, it is equally important to ensure the welfare of these pets.”
SPCA’s volunteers also guided the resident on the proper care of the hamsters and taught him how to keep the enclosures clean.
“Follow-up unannounced visits will be made to ensure the resident does not acquire any more hamsters,” SPCA said.
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Featured image adapted from @spcasingapore on Instagram.
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