Guinea Pig Appreciation Day: RSPCA highlights rise of piggies in centres

On Guinea Pig Appreciation Day - Thursday 16 July, the charity is warning that the over-breeding of guinea pigs, combined with the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis and a lack of knowledge from some owners about the species, is leading to an increase in the number of these pets being given up.

Additionally, RSPCA frontline officers are dealing with an almost 70% rise in reports involving 10 or more animals at a single address, over the last five years - which can include small furry animals like guinea pigs. These large-scale incidents - often involving dozens and even hundreds of animals - have put the RSPCA under unprecedented strain. 

Last year, 419 guinea pigs were taken into RSPCA national centres in England and Wales - a rise of 181 when compared with the previous year. Many more were taken to RSPCA Branches - which are separately registered charities.

It comes as new figures released by the RSPCA show a staggering 64% increase in summer cruelty to animals over the last five years - prompting the launch of the  Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues campaign to raise vital funding for rescuers amid the charity’s busiest time of the year. 

In June, July and August last year the RSPCA received 6,322* cruelty calls to their emergency line, which is one call every 10 minutes when the line is open. 

Among last year’s incidents were 100 guinea pigs being removed from the same property in May, and five guinea pigs dumped in a nappy box at a Kent cemetery in June.

And just last month, two defenceless guinea pigs were discovered dumped by a roadside near Cruckton in Shrewsbury. Sadly, one had died, and the other was by her side when they were found. Peanut is now recovering in RSPCA care and will be looking for her new home.

Now, the charity is urging members of the public to take any guinea pigs they find or abandon to the nearest veterinary practice so they can receive immediate care.

Eloise Dicks, Science and Policy Officer at the RSPCA, said: "Guinea pigs have amazing personalities and make wonderful pets, so it’s fantastic to celebrate them on Guinea Pig Appreciation Day.

"But alongside the fun of owning guinea pigs comes a responsibility to meet their welfare needs. A suitable environment, the right diet, opportunities to express natural behaviours and plenty of enrichment, such as tunnels, toys and hiding places, are all essential for keeping them happy and healthy.

"Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they often hide signs of pain or distress, so owners should get to know their normal behaviour and be alert to any changes. It’s also important to neuter male guinea pigs to prevent unwanted breeding.

"Many guinea pigs that come into our care have come from overcrowded homes where they’ve lived in poor conditions and had little positive human interaction. As a result, they can be fearful and need time and patience to build their confidence.

"Guinea pigs should never be kept alone. They thrive in single-sex same-species pairs or groups, or with a neutered male and one or more females. Neutering males before they are housed with females is the best way to prevent unwanted litters.”The charity has many guinea pigs in its care up for rehoming - and is expecting more over a hectic summer season. Eloise added, "Alarming new figures show that we are seeing rising reports of cruelty year after year. The summer months are our busiest times of year, and our frontline rescue teams, specialist vets, behaviourists, rehabilitation and rehoming teams, will be working tirelessly to help as many animals as possible. 

"That is why we have launched our Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign to highlight this shocking trend and the work we are doing to save so many animals from horrific abuse and suffering."

Thinking of adopting guinea pigs?

Here’s what you need to know:

• Guinea pigs typically live five to six years, but some can live much longer
• They are active for up to 20 hours a day, only sleeping for short periods
• In the wild, guinea pigs live in social groups - they are highly social animals
• They should never be kept alone - companionship is vital for their mental well-being
• A healthy guinea pig diet should consist of 85-90% high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets supplemented with vitamin C

For more advice visit How to adopt a pet from the RSPCA

 

Guinea pigs have amazing personalities and make wonderful pets, so it’s fantastic to celebrate them on Guinea Pig Appreciation Day.

Guinea pigs looking for a new home

  Piggy Styles at RSPCA Derby & District

This little piggy is hoping for a forever home with another guinea pig for company. He came from a multi-animal environment and is nervous around people at the moment, so will need somewhere he can take time to settle. He needs a calm, experienced home where he can come out of his shell in his own time.

Jar Jar and Binx at RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch

These two boys came in as lonely single piggies in need of a friend. They have bonded in RSPCA care and are now searching for a new home together.

Bucket at Birmingham Animal Centre

 
Bucket is a sweet little Guinea Pig searching for a patient home he can share with a female partner. He came to the centre shy and not used to being handled, but is thriving in foster care and gaining confidence every day.

If you are hoping to add a Guinea Pig to your home, please head to Find A Pet.

Every summer, animal cruelty peaks. Right now, it’s at its highest level in five years. But cruelty isn’t the strongest force at work this summer. Love is.

 

Together, we can turn this season of cruelty into one of love, kindness and rescue for animals that need it the most and you can help by supporting the RSPCA’s Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign.