The North Bay & District Humane Society reports close to 600 domestic rats have been removed from an apartment in North Bay.

The process started last Friday, and culminated with fire officials issuing an order to remove the rats on Wednesday.

The Humane Society says the rats were voluntarily surrendered and are being transferred to SPCA animal centres in Midland, Muskoka, Barrie, Orillia, Orangeville, Cornwall, Renfrew, Napanee, Brockville, Sudbury and the Provincial Education & Animal Centre, located just outside Newmarket.

A number of Affiliate Communities will also be welcoming rats, including the Peterborough, Quinte, Kawartha Lakes and Sarnia Humane Societies.

“This has been a very unique case,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, North Bay & District Humane Society. “We are thankful to have had the support of our various partners to help resolve this situation and find new homes for these rats.”

The rats are currently receiving health checks and will be placed up for adoption shortly.