OVER 300 CHINCHILLAS being housed at HAWS

HAWS has been called upon to act as the holding facility for 331 chinchillas, seized on March 29th from a home within the city of Waukesha.

Police and Fire Department authorities were called to the home on Sunday morning to check on a human resident of the home when several hundred chinchillas were discovered on the property. The Fire department immediately took steps to vent the home due to the ammonia levels found there, and contacted HAWS to assist in transport and housing of the animals.

HAWS is in turn asking the community for their assistance in caring for the animals. Items needed for donation include:

· Timothy hay

· Chinchilla food (rabbit food pellets can also be used)

· Chinchilla dust

· Small animal mineral blocks and chinchilla chewing blocks

· Crock-style food dishes, approximately 4”-5” in diameter

· Small animal airline crates (wire dog/cat crates are not appropriate in this housing situation as they can escape or get caught in the spacing)

· Monetary donations

Information on the eventual disposition and possible adoption of the animals will be forthcoming, as law enforcement and the County’s humane officers resolve this case.