Blue Cross Animal Charity Overrun With Guinea Pigs

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Burford is currently caring for 47 guinea pigs handed over by one owner when they became too much to cope with. The guinea pigs are all in good health, and many of them are pregnant. Several babies have been born in the past week and are all doing well. The centre is now desperate to rehome the guinea pigs as it is a huge drain on charity resources to care for so many. They will be rehomed in pairs or small groups, with groups of males or groups of girls together, or neutered males with females. Prospective owners will have to show they have adequate space to care for the guinea pigs, which, unlike rabbits, will make good pets for children as they are sociable creatures. Centre manager Helen Wright said: The lady who owned all these guinea pigs did the right thing when she called us for help. When these animals are not neutered they can breed very quickly and their numbers can spiral out of control. We hope to find loving new homes for all of these little animals, and when the babies are older they can be rehomed too. They are friendly and react well to handling. Guinea pigs need a large waterproof hutch with an attached run, specialist guinea pig feed (not rabbit food) and lots of vegetables to provide the right amount of vitamin C. Anyone who thinks they can offer any of the guinea pigs a home should visit The Blue Cross on Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF, or call 01993 822 483. Media contact: Su Crown Direct line: 0207 932 4066 Mobile: 07880 781 637

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