Neglected guinea pigs dumped in box

TWO neglected female guinea pigs are recovering after being found dumped in a wet cardboard box in remote woodland in Derbyshire without food or water.

A member of the public was walking in the woodland at Ashgate Plantation when they made the discovery and called the RSPCA. Animal rescue officer Andy Sowden rescued the animals, despite one making a run for it through a hole in the box.

Andy is now investigating and is keen to find those who are responsible for dumping the pets. He believes the animals had been left in the box, in the wood, for about 24 hours before they were found.

He said: “These poor guinea pigs were lucky to be found, and had they not been discovered I am not sure they would have survived much longer with no food and water and with other predators about. It is awful to think someone could just dump their pets like rubbish in a remote wood and I am keen to find the person responsible.

“I am hoping someone may recognise the pets and know who had them or someone will have seen something suspicious in the area – maybe someone carrying a cardboard box in this area.”

The guinea pigs, which have been named Pixie and Elphie, are being looked after by the RSPCA.

Derby’s Abbey Street Animal Rehoming Centre manager, Heather Price, is caring for them until they are able to be rehomed. Anyone with information about who may have abandoned the pets is urged to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.