Warning issued after 60 guinea pigs saved in Oxfordshire

Over 200 guinea pigs were rescued from a home in Wales as over 60 have been sent to Oxfordshire.

The animals arrived at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford after being rescued from a home in Wales where 224 had been kept in a shed.

A total of 56 guinea pigs were taken in by the charity, with the remaining animals placed in 22 rescues across the country.

But that number could double as many of the guinea pigs are pregnant.

Anouska Ashmead Bartlett, admissions co-ordinator at Blue Cross in Burford, said: “We’re so grateful that the owner reached out for help.

“We were among a number of charities to visit the home and help to take the guinea pigs. All 224 guinea pigs are now out of the home and in our and other rescues’ care.

“Thankfully they are in good condition and as they’re mostly females, we’ve had a few babies born on site and a few more confirmed pregnancies so will be welcoming more youngsters very soon.

Some of the rescued guinea pigs (Image: Blue Cross)

“Due to the large amount coming in, we have doubled our number of small animals we have on site and people on other sections and management have been supporting with their care.

“It’s been a real team effort.

“We’ll be looking for loving new homes for them once they’re ready to go up for rehoming.”

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One of the rescued guinea pigs (Image: Blue Cross)

The situation comes as a survey by the charity revealed the financial strain facing pet owners.

Research by Blue Cross found that one in five owners could not afford an unexpected £600 veterinary bill.

If costs rose to £3,500, almost half said they would be unable to pay, and nearly three-quarters would need to borrow money or go into debt.

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Some of the rescued guinea pigs (Image: Blue Cross)

The charity also discovered that nearly a quarter of owners have skipped meals to afford pet food, while others have cut back on heating.

One in 10 owners said they had already surrendered a pet due to financial pressures, with a further one in 10 seriously considering it.

Almost half fear they may soon have no choice.

One of the rescued guinea pigs (Image: Blue Cross)

Blue Cross has seen the impact of these challenges first-hand, with the number of dogs arriving at its rehoming centres rising by 122 per cent in the past four years.

Arrivals of cats have also increased by 80 per cent in the same period.

Ms Ashmead Bartlett said: “We know so many people are struggling right now and we’d urge anyone who needs help, advice, or support to contact us or another charity for help as soon as possible so we can discuss the options available for help.”