An animal sanctuary has turned to the public for help and advice in the face of an infestation of rats which have invaded the sheds, stables, runs and coops and even attacked the rescue animals in their care.
The Crosskennan Lane group in Co Antrim say they are deeply concerned by the levels of rodents they are now experiencing.
And measures already taken to help rid the property of the pests, including live traps, have failed.
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As they call for help, they are working to demolish their tool and storage shed, the hen house and the cat shelter.
A spokesperson said: "That will be a total of 14 animals out of a home but their safety at this point is paramount and we will find them an alternative but we need to remove these three spaces as soon as possible as they are being overtaken by rats."
In a plea on social media, they said: "We are an animal sanctuary, we love all animals, pets and wildlife. We've nursed all types over the years and we will continue to care for those who need us.
"As a place with both horses and chickens we have rats. Our main practice is live traps and relocation.
"Over the past year the numbers of rats on site have grown to the point we cannot get it under control.
"We have sought help and advice, we have changed methods of trapping. We've worked to reduce areas where they can nest and also monitor any food left behind and remove it once the animals have ate what they need or want.
"We don't want to see them hurt, but we're struggling desperately, with numbers only increasing.
"We are looking for contraceptives for rats today, but this will only do so much.
"We cannot use positions, not only because we couldn't bear it but because there are all the risks to other wildlife as well as the animals at the sanctuary.
"But we need to do something, the animals who call Crosskennan home are suffering, their houses are being invaded, their food is being eaten and some are even being attacked.
"We cannot in good conscience let our volunteers into some of the areas too - for safety concerns.
"Not only are we concerned about the welfare of the animals and people, but the actual structures on site are being eaten away. We have been filling holes, patching, and replacing them where needed.
"We don't know what to do anymore, we honestly didn't want to say anything publicly because we have received abuse before even for trapping. But they have compromised the structural integrity of these three buildings, and the animals who live within are in danger.
"So we do need help. We need help with the demolition and removal of these sheds, we are going to have to start with the toolshed as it will hopefully be the easiest as it isn't housing anyone. Then the nest as we will soon have an alternative for the three broiler sisters who live there.
"The cat shed is another story, at present, we have two groups of cats who live there permanently as well as a rooster. Of these are three elderly semi-ferals who have been with us for 10+ years; the cat shed is the only true home they've ever known and they are used to having the access day and night into their run but also the freedom some days to explore the entire yard.
"So we need to demolish, but also replace. What we replace with is a big question but we need to sort something asap.
"This was not what we wanted to do but we have been advised that the houses have to go.
"We need alternatives for working with the rats and while we are looking at contraceptives for the rates, this will only do so much.
"If you can help with the demolition and removal of the existing housing, can help with the replacement of any of the housing, or even help with controlling the rats then please get in touch.
"We need help - we don't know what else to do. This appeal is not for a specific animal, or a specific bill. But this affects us all, the animals, the volunteers and even the people who visit. We will have to close the gates if we cannot get things under control.
"We are trying to do the right things - but we are stuck unsure where to turn now."
If you can help the team at Crosskennan, please crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk
