March 3, 2024, 22:09
A guinea pig was abandoned on the London Underground with a heartbreaking note pleading for a “new owner”.
Photo: Alamy
A guinea pig was found abandoned at a London Underground station with a heartbreaking note pleading for a “new owner”.
The guinea pig, named DiscoPig by the RSPCA, is a male and is believed to be between six and 12 months old.
The pet was found in a cage near Canning Town station in east London at around 4.20pm on February 18 and taken in by a charity.
A one-line note was taped to the animal’s cage that read, “Needs new owner. Guinea pig.”
This area was not monitored by CCTV.
A guinea pig was found abandoned outside an East London Tube station.
Photo: Alamy
RSPCA inspector Shahnaz Ahmad, who picked up the pet from the station, took it to a nearby animal welfare center after finding it.
The RSPCA said the abandonment of the animal was an “incredibly cruel act” and said the animal was found “healthy and well looked after”.
However, RSPCA inspectors pointed out that guinea pigs are social creatures and need to be around other guinea pigs.
read more: Unknown actor at ‘shabby’ Willy Wonka-inspired event exposed after stars leave ‘humiliated’ after event
read more: Two women charged after demonstrators smeared Queen Victoria’s bust with jam and porridge at Glasgow Museum
Disco Pig is currently in safe custody and will be adopted soon, according to animal protection officials.
“He seemed healthy and well cared for,” Shahnaz Ahmad said.
“It’s very sad that someone would abandon a pet like this.
“Rather than leaving their pets in such a vulnerable situation, we encourage people to seek help caring for their pets from their local animal welfare charity.
A guinea pig was found abandoned outside an East London Tube station.
Photo: Alamy
“Although this guinea pig was found alone, guinea pigs are social by nature and usually prefer the company of one or more guinea pigs.”
“Guinea pigs can exhibit abnormal behavior and can suffer if left unaccompanied.
“Abandoning pets in such a way is an incredibly cruel act and is never the answer.
“If anyone has any information, please contact the RSPCA’s appeals office confidentially on 0300 123 8018.”