951 Chinchillas Rescued From Deplorable Conditions At Ohio Breeding Facility
Photo Credit: Meredith Lee / Humane World for Animals
After enduring horrific conditions at an Ohio breeding facility, 951 chinchillas have been brought to safety and given a second chance at life.
The team removed 642 chinchillas from the facility during a two-day operation that began October 13. Responders returned on November 3 to rescue the remaining 309 animals.
Veterinary examinations revealed overgrown teeth, inflamed skin, sores, scabs, urine scalding, and severely matted fur, according to Humane World for Animals. Some chinchillas were also missing limbs, toes, or ears.
“It was like walking through a factory of forgotten souls,” said Laura Koivula, director of animal crimes and investigations at Humane World for Animals.
According to the Justice Department, the government’s complaint accused R & R Chinchilla and its president, James F. Ritterspach, of misleading USDA inspectors about the number of animals on the property.
The company reportedly claimed to have between 300 and 450 chinchillas, while Ritterspach allegedly kept approximately 800 additional animals hidden in another building on the property.
When USDA inspectors entered that building on August 5, they encountered hundreds of chinchillas living in conditions the Justice Department described as dire. Inspectors reported finding dead animals and feces covering the floors of hundreds of cages.
Some chinchillas’ eyes were swollen shut, and open rat poison packets lay next to enclosures housing the animals. The ammonia caused such severe coughing that inspectors had to leave.
The federal case secured the transfer of more than 1,100 chinchillas into the care of animal welfare organizations, including the 951 rescued by Humane World for Animals.
Approximately 800 animals had already been surrendered when the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio approved an agreement on November 2 requiring the breeder to relinquish the more than 300 still at the facility.
Ritterspach agreed to stop all future activities covered by the Animal Welfare Act. A separate consent decree and order with USDA permanently revoked his license under the law.
Humane World for Animals is working to find placements for the rescued chinchillas through shelters and rescue groups. The organization encourages adoption by people who understand these animals’ particular needs and can commit to caring for them throughout their lives.
After all they have endured, these chinchillas deserve safe homes where they can heal and thrive. Their rescue is only the beginning. Each one deserves a lifetime of loving care, compassion, and protection.
