Authorities seized roughly 400 guinea pigs from a home in South Los Angeles where they were living in what’s described as “overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.”
The operation unfolded over several days starting on July 19, after L.A. Animal Services contacted several nonprofits to assist with a hoarding situation where the tenant was facing eviction, according to the Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue.
“A team of volunteers … obtained access to the property to assess and triage the situation with the tenant’s cooperation,” SCGPR said. “It became immediately clear that the situation was critical.”
Many of the animals were suffering from medical problems, including ringworm, open wounds and neurological issues, rescuers said. Dozens were pregnant, and some were dead.
It’s unclear if the tenant was breeding the guinea pigs for sale as pets or perhaps as food.
Dozens of animals were sent to the Pasadena Humane Society, which released photos of the animals in their care.
“Our veterinary team has given each one a thorough health exam to check for injuries or illness and is now providing medical treatment for those guinea pigs who need it,” humane society officials said in a social media post.
Many of the animals are already available for adoption through the Pasadena Humane Society and Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, another group involved in the operation.
“We are certainly facing a tall order, but we have trust that our community will step up and adopt these wonderful animals,” said Chiesa. “We are asking any and all families to please come in and adopt a pair of guinea pigs. They make for wonderful pets and companions.”
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