Appeal for help from guinea pig rescue centre
A DEDICATED animal lover is appealing for help following a massive influx of unwanted pets at her guinea-pig sanctuary in North Shields.
Layla Smith, who runs self-funded North Shields Guinea Pig Rescue, has been overrun with needy furries and the rescue is now full to bursting.
Five baby guinea pigs who were found abandoned in a box have come from the RSPCA in the last two weeks, and another five are waiting to come in.
"There is also an increase in guinea pigs being picked up as strays – possibly as people are dumping them – coming in due to children losing interest and also due to people moving house and not being able to take animals with them," Layla said.
"Although I did have an interesting reason recently for no longer being able to keep their guinea pig – the owners said they were having their garden refurbished and the hutch wouldn't fit.
"This shows just how dispensable these animals can be viewed as by some owners, who do not perceive these animals as part of the family who deserve love and care."
This year more than a hundred guinea pigs have come into the rescue, but more than a hundred lucky pets have also found new loving homes.
Layla added: "The rescue is really stretched at the moment, as with so many guinea pigs here, food supplies are being used quickly so we are also appealing for donations of guinea pig nuggets, hay and vegetables.
"I am also desperate for good homes to come forward, so that the guinea pigs here can find loving homes for life.
"I want to raise awareness of the rescue so that people realise they don't have to buy from pet shops.
"If homes don't come forward soon, then other guinea pigs that have been abandoned or neglected and are in desperate need to come into the rescue, are not going to be able to."
To contact Layla, email guineapigrehome@blueyonder.co.uk or call her after 6pm on 07812417302.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 24 May 2012
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