Guinea pigs and ferrets abandoned in street rescued by the RSPCA

The RSPCA says potential owners must research the needs of small pets after the charity’s rescuers were called out to two abandonments in Lancashire and nearby Greater Manchester.

Two long-haired guinea pigs were dumped in a box at Wythburn Road in Middleton and three ferrets were left in an under-sized cage in Blackburn. The RSPCA officers who attended the incidents suspect that either those giving them up didn’t have the expertise to care for them - or were struggling with the costs.

The two male guinea pigs were discovered by a resident while putting out her bins at around 3pm on Monday, February 5.

They were both suffering with matted fur and after they were collected by RSPCA Inspector Alex Ashton they underwent treatment at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

The two small pets, now named Horace and Spike, have made a good recovery and are now in the care of RSPCA Derby & District Branch.

“This was very distressing to see as the guinea pigs were left in the street in a poor condition. They are long-haired guinea pigs (pictured) and their coats hadn’t been looked after - they had to have them shaved off at our hospital,” said the inspector.

Elsewhere, Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Connie Brown investigated the abandonment of three ferrets, who were left in a small cage at Aberdare Close in Blackburn on Saturday 3 February.

The ferrets, two female and a male, were found by a local resident, who placed them in a shed for their safety after he spotted the cage being kicked around the street by a youngster.

The officer made enquiries on the street and put up a poster, but no-one has come forward to claim the pets.

“Fortunately, the ferrets were healthy, but they were in a cage which was far too small for them and they didn’t have any water,” said the ARO.

“They are very tame and pleasant young ferrets who look like they are well used to being handled as they didn’t bite.

“It is sad that they have been found like this and maybe an owner has been struggling with their upkeep or hasn’t had the experience to look after them, but it is no excuse to leave animals in this manner.”

The ferrets underwent health checks and were neutered and vaccinated at RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital before they were taken to a specialist ferret rescue in the South Cheshire area, from where they will be rehomed.

Anyone with any information about either abandonment is asked to call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.

Animal neglect and abandonment are at a three-year high. The combined effects of the pandemic and a cost of living crisis have meant more animals than ever will need the RSPCA’s help this year. Last year, the charity received 20,999 calls about an abandoned animal - more than in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday. To mark this special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals' lives. To find out how you can join their million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200.