Appalling Case of Neglect in Sydney

Recently a volunteer who has stepped on board in the Sydney area, has had to witness one of the worst cases of neglect ACS has seen. After replying to an advertisement online Lyn went to pick up 8 guinea pigs who were being cared for by someone who had taken them from their previous home. The previous owner had ' dumped ' them on her doorstep. The lady could not afford vet care for the guinea pigs so was selling/giving them away online. Upon picking the guinea pigs up Lyn found that all 8 guinea pigs were suffering from fungal conditions, mites, impaction and all had cases of severe bumblefoot.

All 8 guinea pigs were rushed to the vet and all guinea pigs were supplied with medical treatment for their conditions. The vet bills involved were expensive and will be ongoing for some time. Bumblefoot is a severe and very painful infection and inflammation of the feet and in severe cases the infection can spread to the bone resulting in amputation. Impaction is whereby the muscles of a male guinea pigs anal sac become weak and in turn the guinea pig is unable to expel feces on their own and the guinea pig must be cleaned out manually daily. The main cause of both these conditions can be a result of lack of exercise/space for the guinea pig to move about, being housed in a wire based enclosure whereby they would be walking on wire constantly, overcrowding and a filthy/unclean environment. We believe that ALL of the above may have contributed to their current state.

Since taking in the guinea pigs Lyn contacted the local RSPCA and an officer was given priority for this case. Sadly though with only a mobile number and an email address the original owners home address could not be tracked down and in turn the case could not go ahead with an inspection without an exact address. Since contact was made with the original owner of the guinea pigs the owner has stated that they are moving home and have no more animals on the premesis.

Some of the guinea pigs from this case may be flown to ACS Brisbane Shelter although foster carers in the local area in Sydney are currently being sought. If you live in the Sydney area and think you may be able to cater for/foster a couple of the guinea pigs from this case please contact us at australiancavysanctuary@hotmail.com

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