By Juliana Di Leonardo
Recently, I had the opportunity to rescue domesticated rats from a hoarding situation on Long Island. It was an extremely hot day and I didn't know what to expect. I knew there would be ducks and chickens but I had no idea that we would also be taking in ten rats along with forty one birds and a cat. Once the birds were all secured, the rats were waiting for us at the top of a long staircase next to a bathroom. This area of the house did not have air-conditioning and it was clear they were overheating from their splooting–laying flat on their bellies to lower their body temperature. These rats occupied two small tanks, one for seven girls and the other for three boys. The contents of these tanks included what appeared to be one shredded up wee wee pad and nothing else. The rats were covered in urine, and their droppings were scattered throughout the container. They were hot, dirty, and ready to come home with us.
Since my experience with rats was limited and pretty much nonexistent up until that moment, I had wondered if I would need to bathe each one individually when I got home but then remembered that these animals are naturally very clean and should be able to take care of it themselves. That night, instead of bath time, ended up just being a full clean up of their enclosure with wiping everything down and providing them with fresh dry bedding. They all quickly got to work that evening and the following morning they looked gorgeous.
We only cared for them for about a week before adopting them out to their new forever home but within that short period of time they became more relaxed and friendly towards us. They became excited for food and snacks, explored their temporary surroundings and expressed affection by licking and nibbling our fingers and hands. It was a sweet progression and a beautiful encounter.
As I miss their presence, I think about how the majority of humans today find rodents to be repulsive. People assume rats are dirty, carry diseases and are purely a nuisance because they have the ability to destroy our homes but it's not true. It's not a rat's fault that they get hungry, or that they too enjoy creating comfy living areas with found materials. Their desire to feel safe and sated is just as valid as us wanting to address our own needs. We are all animals.
For this week's anuvrat, a small vow, I encourage you to reflect on your thoughts about rats by practicing ahimsa–active non-violence. If there are unwanted rats near your home or in your city, ask yourself, am I inviting them? Most likely you are the “dirty” one or your home may also be in disrepair so instead of trying to kill anyone, work on your cleanliness or seal up some holes to avoid visitors. Also, there are a lot of domesticated rats looking for loving homes, especially ones used in laboratories. These animals are clean (can even be litter trained), smart and affectionate. Rats also don't live very long so it's a short commitment but one that can be full of love. It all starts with you and a change in perspective.
(Photo courtesy: Juliana Di Leonardo)
Juliana Di Leonardo is the Vice President of Humane Long Island. She is a yoga and ballroom dance instructor, model, and artist. Her advocacy for animals exploited by the fashion industry was credited in the 2021 documentary “The Face of Fashion is Fear” and recognized by PETA with a Hero for Coyotes award.
