New taipei: A pet hamster that nearly died after wandering the streets of New Taipei has recovered and found a new home, prompting authorities to reiterate responsible animal ownership. The lost rodent was discovered outdoors and reported by a neighborhood representative, who sent the critter to the New Taipei Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office in December, the agency said.

According to Focus Taiwan, the pocket-sized companion, named Molly by the agency, was found to have breathing difficulties and was unable to open her eyes, prompting emergency treatment. An x-ray revealed an intestinal blockage, likely caused by the animal eating indigestible objects while attempting to survive outdoors.

Molly, a domesticated golden hamster, was elderly and could have died if her condition failed to improve, as reported by a veterinarian with the agency. Fortunately, Molly recovered after hospitalization and continued medication and soon found a new owner and a permanent home around mid-January.

Molly's case reflects a broader rise in pet hamster ownership in recent years, as the animals are small and require minimal space. However, escape or abandonment incidents have increased as well. The animal protection agency recorded 10 cases of lost pet rodents being picked up by members of the public last year in the city.

The agency emphasized that pet hamsters are small, highly sensitive animals that lack the ability to survive outdoors. They have strong gnawing habits and can bite through old cages or those made of poor-quality materials. Under Taiwan's Animal Protection Act, failure to provide safe and comfortable living spaces for these critters can result in fines of up to NT$15,000 (US$480), while abandoning pets can result in fines of up to NT$150,000.