Neighbors had informed the veterinary service of the situation. They had complained about the smell. Animal collecting rage is assumed, says the spokesman for the service. The owner believed she had the situation under control and did not realize that she was completely taken by surprise.
Initiatives such as Notfallratten Rhein-Ruhr and the German Animal Protection Association care for the rodents, provide them with veterinary care and place them with other foster homes or animal lovers across the country. Several rats turned out to be pregnant. It is being investigated whether legal proceedings will be initiated against the woman.