GUELPH, ON (October 27, 2022) Last week 15 Guinea pigs, one male and 14 females, mostly juveniles, were found in two cages which appeared to be abandoned in Mapleton township. Two Guinea pigs were in one cage and 13 were in the other. Each cage was only two and half feet long, too small to properly house one Guinea pig. The cages were in deplorable condition, covered in urine and feces with a strong odor of ammonia.

Large intake of Guinea pigs found in Wellington County

Thankfully, all of the Guinea pigs appear to be in good health. Since arrival at the Guelph Humane Society, one baby (“pup”) has been born and we suspect some of the other females may be pregnant and more could be on the way. 

Before adoption, each Guinea pig will receive a full veterinary exam. The Guinea pigs are also under-socialized, timid, nervous and hiding and will require patient and loving homes that will help socialize them and build their confidence through positive interaction. 

With the large number of other small animals in care (especially rabbits), the GHS is calling on the community to donate to the Guelph Humane Society’s Greatest Need help provide care for this large intake of Guinea pigs and asking those interested in adopting small animals to email adoptions@guelphhumane.ca, or apply online as they become available, so homes can be identified as quickly as possible. 

If anyone has any information on this incident, please contact Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-926-4625.