Two guinea pigs were dumped in a shoebox during guinea pig awareness week – alongside a note which read ‘not wanted’.
The heartbreaking discovery was made late at night on September 30 by members of the public near the Castleback area of Sheffield.
They were taken in by the finders until RSPCA animal rescue officer Katie Hetherington was able to collect them the following day.
After initial veterinary treatment they are now in the care of the RSPCA Manchester and Salford branch and will be put up for rehoming.
Katie said: “Sadly we are seeing more and more animals being dumped or abandoned in this way, I know our centres are struggling with the numbers of animals we are bringing in. It is never the answer to dump an animal – friends, family and charities can all help if you are struggling.
“We know times are tough and the RSPCA is trying to help, including by introducing a network of pet food banks to help owners. If anyone does recognise these guinea pigs they can contact us on 0300 123 8018.”
Between September 26-30 the RSPCA supported Guinea Pig Awareness Week and released new figures revealing that the number of guinea pigs coming into its care between January and August has risen by 90 per cent in the last two years.
Already this year the RSPCA has had more than 445 incidents involving guinea pigs – including those abandoned and neglected – reported to the charity.
And last year South Yorkshire was in the top ten counties with the most incidents reported with 19 reports of suffering.
This week the RSPCA’s annual Adoptober rehoming drive has launched promoting adoption and highlighting the many animals the charity has waiting to find their perfect match.
The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet. Figures that show rehoming has dropped 8% while animal intake is up 8.4%
If you are able to provide a loving forever home for a rescue animal please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
