By Eric Cao
It was late in the afternoon on Valentine’s Day when a student discovered two abandoned guinea pigs left on a nature strip in Lidcombe and raised concerns with Cumberland City Council.
A downpour was forecast and they were in imminent danger with nothing more than a tattered shoebox for shelter.
Both guinea pigs were found in poor condition with the youngest exhibiting various lesions and a deformed right hind leg.
Local dogcatcher Steve* was dispatched to recover the pair.
After collection, Steve took them to RSPCA NSW to receive further care.
“One of them was in a real bad state,” he said.
After being assessed by vets at the RSPCA, it was determined that the younger of the guinea pigs needed to be euthanised due to being in poor health.
“Unfortunately, that one did have to be put to sleep,” said RSPCA NSW customer care consultant Stacey*. “It had quite a bad deformity on the right hind leg.”
Veterinarian notes suggested that the deformity was “likely to be causing ongoing pain and suffering … it wasn’t looking too good”.
“Due to the back leg being flexed permanently in a bad position, it was deemed cruel to be kept alive under humane circumstances,” said Stacey.
“It’s called splay legs, it’s very common especially with bunnies and guinea pigs for there to be a runt of the litter that the parents neglect.
“It is very common unfortunately for them to not all be strong and healthy, it’s usually one that doesn’t end up doing too well and then can more often than not pass away at a young age.”
The surviving guinea pig, affectionately named Fonzie, has since been rehabilitated.
“He is recovering quite well, has just been desexed and is going to be marked for adoption, probably within the next couple of weeks,” said Stacey.
Fonzie is an Abyssinian male with plush black hair. Abyssinians, like most guinea pigs, are highly social creatures and are described as being more inquisitive, energetic and easier to train than their cousins.
Like the popular character in Happy Days before arriving at the Cunninghams’, Fonzie is in need of a home. If you would like to adopt him, please contact the RSPCA NSW Sydney Adoption Centre online or call (02) 9770 7555.
Sadly, there are many cases like this where pets have not been surrendered though the proper channels. If you spot a stray or abandoned animal, please don’t hesitate to contact your local council or RSPCA for assistance.
*Surname withheld by request.
Featured image: Two abandoned guinea pigs in Lidcombe. Picture: Eric Cao
