Guinea pigs abandoned in a lay-by on New Year's Day

We're appealing for information after two Guinea pigs were found abandoned in a lay-by on New Year's Day.

Thankfully, a member of the public spotted the duo and contacted us to help bring them to safety.

Our animal rescue officer, Clara Scully, said:

"These two beauties were dumped in a lay-by on B3147 just before entering Dorchester. Whoever dumped them cut the hole in the hedge to leave them in.

"They may look like they would be easy to catch, but as soon as I approached with a net, being prey animals they scampered into the deep bramble. I had to call for backup and thankfully staff from our Taylor's Rehoming Centre in West Dorset were able to give a hand, and a very resourceful local volunteer helped with his loppers.

"It took some time but thankfully we caught them before it was too dark. If they had been left in the freezing temperatures overnight they would have died.

"It's heartbreaking to think they could have lost their lives because someone chose to simply dump them. We know that particularly through this challenging time, people's circumstances can change which may mean they can no longer care for their pets but abandoning them is never the answer."

Abandonment should never be an option

We would always urge people who are struggling to please reach out to friends, family and charities like ourselves.

The pair were named Bramble and Blackberry because of the bushes they were in and have since been taken to Taylor's Rehoming Centre where they're receiving the care and attention they need.

We're appealing for information to find out how poor Bramble and Blackberry came to be abandoned and encouraged anyone with information to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.