Guinea pig 'cast aside like rubbish'
A guinea pig covered in mites was found dumped near a Leicestershire beauty spot "like a piece of rubbish".
The animal was spotted by a motorist who saw him on the side of the road near Burbage Common, in Hinckley, and managed to catch him.
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The guinea pig is now being cared for by the RSPCA. His condition is said to be improving since he was taken to the charity on Sunday, July 18.
RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell said: "This little fella is really lucky to still be alive and has shown real fighting spirit.
"He was covered from head to toe with a mite infection and was in a really sorry state. It is clear that he has been just dumped.
"He was taken to a vet where he was treated for the mite infection and given some antibiotics and painkillers.
"We just hope that he is strong enough to pull through. It's so upsetting when we have to deal with an animal which has just clearly been cast aside like it is just a piece of rubbish."
The RSPCA is now appealing for information about the incident. Anybody who has information about who the owner might be is asked to call 0300 1234 999.
People who are found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a prison sentence up to six months and a fine up to £20,000.
2 Comments
by Kimberley, Leicestershire
Saturday, July 31 2010, 12:24AM
“Like Jen, I know that this isn't an unusual case but it is still upsetting to hear about. I have kept guinea pigs for almost a year and currently own 7. I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't seek medical treatment for any of their animals, let alone releasing them because they no longer want them. One of the most key things to consider when deciding to have a pet is whether you can afford the vet bills should they need treatment.”
by Jen, Leicestershire
Friday, July 30 2010, 8:17AM
“This is so awful and tragically so common - I foster for Honeybunnies Rabbit and Guinea Pig Rescue, Leics and sadly this case isn't unusual. The phone never stops ringing, the list of people not wanting their rabbits and guinea pigs for most trivial reasons unbelievable. "The kids won't clean the rabbit out so it has to go" - er, that would be because they're KIDS, what did you expect?!! "We're going on holiday and don't have anyone to look after it" - err, didn't you think about that BEFORE getting a rabbit? "We woke up this morning to find lots of baby rabbits, we thought we had two boys so how do you think that happened?" ......errrr!”