Guinea pigs found living in ‘squalid’ conditions

THIS is the scene that met animal rescuers in the bedroom of a Cardiff house.

More than a foot-and-a-half of straw and debris was piled up in the “squalid” room where 29 guinea pigs were being kept.

The conditions were so bad RSPCA staff had to wear breathing equipment to go into the bedroom. It took them a day to clear the room.

A number of guinea pigs had died, but the rest remain in the care of the animal charity and should be available for rehoming soon.

Owner Barbara Herbert, of Beverley Close, Llanishen, has admitted causing unnecessarily suffering to animals. She has been banned from keeping animals for a decade, fined £300 and told to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil said: “These 29 guinea pigs were kept in an upstairs bedroom in a squalid and entirely inappropriate environment.

“They were amid a foot-and-a-half of piled-up straw and debris, which took us a whole day to dig out.

“Fortunately, we were able to intervene and most of the guinea pigs now have a second chance of happiness in a new forever home.

“This case highlights how pet owners must seek help or support if they are struggling to cope with a situation they find themselves in.

“By failing to do this, and by displaying such incompetent animal care, 29 guinea pigs unnecessarily suffered amid such squalid conditions.”