Shocking discovery as guinea pigs found dumped in Shrewsbury layby

The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after two young guinea pigs were found dumped on scrubland next to a layby in Shropshire.

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The two pets were found by a member of the public on Thursday in a broken cage on scrubland next to the lay-by on the Cruckton/Yockleton crossroads on the Montgomery Road, near Cruckton, Shrewsbury.

One guinea pig was alive, the other was found dead. The top of the cage was found in the bushes and the bottom had fallen and landed beneath it.

The Shrewsbury resident who found the animals, said: “The cage had been clearly thrown over the gate next to the lay-by.

“One guinea pig was dead and appeared to have sustained a broken back probably caused by the impact. Her friend was sitting next to her despite her dead body being covered in flies.

“The survivor has now been seen by a vet and neglect was suspected as she had crippling overgrown nails. She is now safe and will have a loving and responsible home.”

RSPCA Inspector Claire Davey said: “It is very concerning that someone has dumped these two defenceless creatures as if they were rubbish.

“The cage had been clearly thrown over the gate next to the lay-by, was broken and the guinea pigs left exposed to the elements and free to roam.

“Sadly one white and grey guinea pig was deceased and a brown female - was found next to her despite the dead body being covered in flies.”

She added that the surviving guinea pig “is said to be doing well despite her ordeal”.

Claire added: “We’d like to thank the members of the public who took action here and brought the live guinea pig - who has been named Peanut - to safety and to a vet. We very much appreciate their kind actions.

“We are now appealing for information to try and find out what has happened here. Anyone who has any first hand information about these guinea pigs is urged to contact us on 0300 123 8018 and can quote incident 01833450.

“We understand the financial difficulties some people are experiencing, however abandoning your pet is never acceptable. There is help and support available and we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.”

To help pet-owners who are worrying about financial costs, there is information on the RSPCA’s cost of living hub.