‘Dumped like rubbish’: Guinea pigs ‘lucky to be alive’ after being abandoned in wet cardboard box in Chesterfield

Two guinea pigs have been found dumped in a wet cardboard box in Chesterfield.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The animals – said to be ‘lucky to survive’ – are now recovering from their ordeal after being rescued by the RSPCA.

They were discovered by a member of the public walking in woodland at Ashgate Plantation in Ashgate Road, Chesterfield, on Bank Holiday Monday.

Both animals are thought to be aged about three-years-old.Both animals are thought to be aged about three-years-old.
Both animals are thought to be aged about three-years-old.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The female guinea pigs were found in a cardboard box which had become wet and there was no food or water inside.

Animal rescue officer Andy Sowden was sent to the scene and was able to rescue the white female but the ginger female ran from a hole in the box.

As he gave chase she then turned around and ran back into the box so he was able safely collect both pets.

The guinea pigs are now in the care of the RSPCA and are recovering well from their ordeal with the manager of Derby’s Abbey Street Animal Rehoming Centre, Heather Price, who is fostering the pets until they are ready to be rehomed.

The guinea pigs were found in this box.The guinea pigs were found in this box.
The guinea pigs were found in this box.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She has named the ginger long-haired guinea pig Pixie and the white one has been named Elphie.

Both are thought to be aged about three-years-old.

Mr Sowden is now investigating and is keen to find who is responsible for dumping the pets – which he believed had been left about 24 hours before they were found.

He said: “These poor guinea pigs were lucky to be found – and had they not been discovered I am not sure they would have survived much longer with no food and water and with other predators about.

“It is awful to think someone could just dump their pets like rubbish in a remote wood and I am keen to find the person responsible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am hoping someone may recognise the pets and know who had them or someone will have seen something suspicious in the area – maybe someone carrying a cardboard box in this area.

“It was very fortunate that they were spotted in such an overgrown and remote area and I am so grateful that the finder used the What3Word app otherwise I would have definitely struggled to locate them.”

Anyone with information about who may have abandoned the guinea pigs should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Support your Derbyshire Times by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/subscriptions