Bread bin misery of dumped guinea pigs

CRUSHED into a metal bread tin with the lid rammed on top, these two guinea pigs were near to death when found dumped on a doorstep.

But Pip and Squeak were saved in the nick of time by a householder in Elham and taken to the Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary at Stelling Minnis.

Furious sanctuary owner Mar- garet Todd said: “These poor guinea pigs were close to suffocation. It really is beyond belief that people can be so cruel that they would see them needlessly suffer.

“People’s circumstances change and sometimes they cannot look after a pet any longer but they should always contact an animal charity who can advise them or take the animal in.

“Animals are not disposable toys, they are a lifelong commitment and there are costs and responsibilities involved.”

The sanctuary is full of unwanted and dumped animals. Among the new arrivals is a tabby kitten left at one of the charity’s low income clinics who needed urgent surgery to remove a badly infected eye.

Also found abandoned recently are three black and white kittens and a Staffie cross with two pups, which were found loose and in danger of being run down on the Old Thanet Way at Whitstable.

Mrs Todd said: “We have eight Staffies now and really shouldn’t take any more because they are difficult to rehome. But these were exceptional circumstances because they could have been killed.

“We have found homes for Pip and Squeak but have many other animals, including the kittens, who need to be rehomed.”

If you can offer a home to one of the sanctuary’s residents call Mrs Todd on 01303 862622