citation_inspection: 4

According to facility observational and/or health records, three adult woodrats escaped their primary enclosures. Facility representatives confirmed the animals escaped by chewing through the plastic. Animals #1325, #1302 and #1201 each escaped from their primary enclosures and into the holding room: #1201 escaped on 11/26/2022 and again on 12/02/2022; #1325 escaped on 03/11/2022, 04/24/2023, 06/04/2023 and 07/27/2023; #1302 escaped on 09/11/2022, 10/14/2022 and 01/14/2023. Although all animals were recovered following escape, the woodrat health record states that, on 09/11/2022, a woodrat (#1302 "Maddie," a desert woodrat) “injured feet during escape.” The inspector witnessed eleven woodrat enclosures in active use that were patched by tape and/or plastic at the time of inspection. Enclosures that are damaged and have weak points or holes, and/or rough or sharp edges (including such as are produced from chewing) could continue to result in animal escapes and injuries. The registrant must ensure that housing is constructed of such material and of such strength as appropriate for the animals involved, and that it is structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury and contain the animals. TO BE CORRECTED BY 10/27/2023 This inspection and exit interview were conducted with facility representatives. n