12 abandoned guinea pigs discovered in distress in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) – 12 abandoned guinea pigs were discovered in Rotterdam over the weekend. NEWS10 went to the location where they were discovered and talked to a resident who was there as the incident unfolded. 

Officials with Rotterdam Animal Control said it was a distressing discovery when they located those 12 guinea pigs along a tree line at Kiwanis Park.

It happened near the boat launch pavilion on Sunday around noon. The guinea pigs ranged from newborns to adults.

Rotterdam resident Christine Muccioli was there when animal control arrived on scene.

“I just kind of yelled, ‘What are you here for?’ And that’s when she told me, ‘guinea pigs’ which surprised me,” said Muccioli.

According to Rotterdam Animal Control, guinea pigs are vulnerable, they are entirely dependent on human care, and have strict dietary needs not met in the wild.

“It’s not native. You can’t let it go here. It’s not gonna survive,” said Muccioli.

According to the Facebook post, the animals were discovered with cuts and injuries, “highlighting the cruel and illegal nature of their abandonment.”

“Horrible. They would’ve been eaten overnight by so many things,” said Muccioli.

She said the animals were loose. The animal control officer and a Rotterdam police officer had to physically catch them all. 

“Took them a while and I hope she got them all. No way of knowing,” said Muccioli.

Officials urge the public to contact Rotterdam Animal Control, at (518) 355-7331 x7001, if you have any information on the discovery or if you spot a guinea pig in the area.

Muccioli said about 45 minutes later the animal control officer appeared with a cage full of guinea pigs. She’s glad they were found.

“I did not go see them. I’m sure they were very cute. She did ask if I wanted one, and said somebody here took one. And I declined although I’m sure they were precious,” said Muccioli.

Source

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)