SSPCASix guinea pigs have been rescued after being dumped and “left to die” under a thorn bush in Edinburgh.
A dog walker called the Scottish SPCA after discovering two adult and four babies huddled together under a bush just off Dumbryden Road on Monday.
SSPCA dispatched two officers, Chris Hawkes and Aileen Maybury, who were able to catch the animals and take them to safety.
“They were left in an extremely vulnerable state, exposed and frightened,” the officers said.
The animals were examined by a vet and are now being cared for at one of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centres.
“These guinea pigs were incredibly lucky. Had they not been discovered when they were, the outcome could have been tragic,” Mr Hawkes said.
Scottish SPCA said the incident is a “stark reminder” that there is no justification for abandoning an animal.
Mr Hawkes added: “We urge anyone who feels they can no longer care for their pets to reach out to us. Support is here – we’re just a phone call away.
“If anyone recognises these guinea pigs or has any information about how they came to be abandoned, we ask that they contact our confidential animal helpline at 03000 999 999.”
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