A Southern California nonprofit announced it rescued around 400 guinea pigs this week from a Los Angeles property where they slept outside “with improper food, water, and care.”
The Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue (SCGPR) said in a July 21 Facebook post that it received a request from the Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) on July 15 regarding “a hoarding situation” in South Los Angeles involving up to 200 guinea pigs in need of rescue.
The LAAS told the nonprofit that the owner of the guinea pigs was facing eviction from her rental property unless all the animals were removed by July 19, according to the social media post. At this point, the SCGPR made contact with the tenant, who allowed them to come by the property on July 17 to begin removing the guinea pigs.
USA TODAY contacted SCGPR on Saturday, July 26, but has not received a response.
Guinea pig removal process begins
While removing the guinea pigs, the SCGPR said in the Facebook post that “it became immediately clear that the situation was critical.” Rescuers noticed “pervasive medical conditions” in the animals, including ringworm, pregnancies, open wounds and neurological issues, the post continued, adding that the guinea pigs also “lacked access to adequate space, bedding, water, and food.”…