RSPCA appeal after injured guinea pigs dumped in Hastings park

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Both animals were suffering with broken bones.

The RSPCA is appealing for information about two guinea pigs abandoned in a park in Hastings with broken bones, just before Christmas.

The incident took place just as the charity revealed that East Sussex has seen an 8% increase in animal abandonment since the cost of living crisis began.

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The two guinea pigs were found inside a cardboard box on December 6 by a member of the public who was visiting Alexandra Park.

'Biscoff' the rescued guinea pig, recovering under foster care'Biscoff' the rescued guinea pig, recovering under foster care
'Biscoff' the rescued guinea pig, recovering under foster care

They took the animals to a local vet who discovered one to be suffering with a broken bone in their back, and the other with a broken leg bone.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Claire Thomas is investigating, and is appealing to anyone who might have information about the guinea pigs.

Claire said: “It’s incredibly sad to think these two sweet little guinea pigs were dumped in a cold park just before Christmas, especially suffering with broken bones.

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“Sadly, the vet made the decision to put the guinea pig with the broken back to sleep to end their suffering, but we have hopes the remaining guinea pig, nicknamed Biscoff, who is now being fostered, will make a recovery with further treatment to their leg. I’m so grateful to the people who found them for taking them straight to a vet.

Two abandoned guinea pigsTwo abandoned guinea pigs
Two abandoned guinea pigs

“I’m keen to hear from anyone with any information about the guinea pigs. I can be contacted in complete confidence via the RSPCA Inspector’s Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018.”

Shocking figures released by the RSPCA recently show the number of animals abandoned in England and Wales during the winter period has increased by a massive 51% in just three years.

The charity released the new startling statistics to highlight the battle frontline rescuers face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter for thousands of animals as part of its Join The Winter Rescue campaign.

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In East Sussex latest figures show the number of abandonment reports to the RSPCA for 2023 was 198 up from 213 in 2021 when the cost of living crisis began - an 8% increase.

Claire added: “The RSPCA is seeing a shocking rise in the number of calls reporting pet abandonment to our emergency line during winter, and sadly we expect the trend will continue as more pet owners face financial hardship at this time of year more than any other.

“For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.”

The RSPCA has launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost the help out there for owners and we also have more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.

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If you find a small pet who has been abandoned, take them directly to a local vet or rescue centre. These teams can call in the expertise of our teams if there’s evidence that the animal has been neglected or abused. There’s more information on how to safely handle and transport an animal on our website.

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