Pictured Above - Sow surrendered with severe fungal and mite condition.

ACS Lakes recently took in 18 guinea pigs from a 7yr backyard breeder in Brisbane. The breeder was a frequent advertiser of guinea pigs online. ACS Lakes responded to a giveaway ad in the paper but didn't realise that she would be taking on some very unwell guinea pigs. The sad part of the case is that many members of the public would have responded to regular ads online to purchase and support this breeder and the selling of her guinea pigs. What they probably didn't know was what they were really supporting. A regular breeder who has kept their animals in appalling conditions for quite some time. The hidden truth behind the scenes is only exposed when members of the public make a report or when ACS Volunteers stumble across it. It truly a silent and not uncommon.

Below are photos of some of the guinea pigs that were surrendered to ACS Lakes. Most guinea pigs had fungal conditions of varying degrees and also mite infestation. All guinea pigs taken in were underweight and sadly many of the pregnant sows have lost their litters at ACS Lakes. They simple did not have enough time to gain condition or good health before littering.

It was found also that many of the guinea pigs were carrying clostridia and due to this many required ongoing medical attention for this condition.