Hundreds of pigeons, rats and mice were rescued by the Toronto Humane Society on Sunday where they were holed up in an apartment without food or water.

The smell of the animals' excrement is what drew the police and Humane Society to the 15th floor Bleeker Street apartment (Wellesley and Sherbourne).

The 250 mice found were pet-shop grade animals kept in an aquarium without food or water. The mice had resorted to eating each other.

The 300 or 400 pigeons found were breeding among the many layers of excrement throughout the whole apartment.

Most of the pigeons and mice were sick and malnourished, according to the Humane Society, and will need treatment before being released.

News reports say the neighbours have been objecting to the smell for two years and this is the first time someone has come to investigate. The owner of the apartment is currently in custody under the mental health act.