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In a shocking discovery, more than 400 guinea pigs were found living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at a residence in South Los Angeles. Volunteers from the Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue found the animals after learning the tenant was facing eviction. The rescue group managed to save 33 pregnant females, but over 400 guinea pigs remain at the site.
The guinea pigs were found living off corn husks, with some suffering from medical issues like ringworm and open wounds. Valerie Warren, co-founder of the rescue group, explained that the guinea pigs continued to breed after a previous tenant left them behind. "They just continued to breed and breed, and the rest of the people in the house were just overwhelmed," Warren told the Los Angeles Times.
The situation is dire, with the potential for the guinea pig population to reach 1,000 by November if the animals are not separated by gender. The Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue is seeking help from the public to foster or adopt some of the guinea pigs and is also requesting donations for medical support and supplies. The group warns that the guinea pig population crisis is ongoing and urges local shelters to assist.
Kit Benson, co-founder of the rescue group, highlighted the need for systemic changes, suggesting that banning the sale of small animals could prevent similar situations in the future.