Two dying guinea pigs were found dumped in a cardboard box and left at a park in Liverpool.
The pets, which were in very poor health, were found by a member of the public at Henley Park in Whiston, at around 11am yesterday (Thursday).
The guinea pigs were taken to a vet who reported the matter to the RSPCA and animal rescuer, inspector Joanne MacDonald was sent to investigate.
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She said the male pets, one brown and white and one black, were in very poor condition.
They were underweight, had fur loss, urine scalds on their legs suggesting they had lived in filthy conditions and open wounds.
They were both very cold and lethargic and one also had neurological issues.
The vet was unable to treat the pets due to their health and sadly a decision was made to put them to sleep.
Joanne is now keen to trace the person responsible and would like to hear from anyone who knows who the pets belonged to or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area in the hours before the animals were found.
She is also keen to hear if anyone can link the pets to the box they were found in which is pictured below.
She said: “These guinea pigs were in such poor health someone had obviously neglected them and left their condition to deteriorate rather than seek veterinary advice.
“They then callously dumped them like pieces of rubbish - and ironically it was the day before Guinea Pig Appreciation Day.
“The pets were found by a member of the public who took them to the vets but I am unclear at this stage about exactly where in the park they were found.
“I am keen for them to come forward and give me this information as we may be able to find CCTV in the area. which could help the investigation.
“Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.”
RSPCA animal welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: “Sadly guinea pigs, along with other small companion animals like rabbits and hamsters, are very misunderstood.
“We do see instances of abandonment and neglect every year and even in 2020 and 2021, this was no exception.
“What is concerning is that before we have even reached the peak of the summer months our inspectors are already seeing hundreds of incidents involving Guinea pigs, and with many people still at home it is surprising that this is still happening already.
“There is support available for owners who feel they cannot cope, abandoning an animal or subjecting them to a life of neglect is never the answer. We would encourage anyone struggling to reach out to family and friends, charities and to make their vet aware that they need help.”
If you think you are able to offer a long term loving home to a guinea pig please visit the RSPCA’s find a pet page here
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