Pets abandoned at shop doorway

Staff at the Pets At Home store turned up for a shift at the weekend to find the two abandoned Guinea pigs at their door.

The adorable animals were left at the shop at Central Retail Park by a man some time on Saturday night (March 11) before staff opening up on the Sunday morning found them.

The workers alerted the Scottish SPCA and the pair – named Fred and George by staff – are being looked after at the animal welfare charity’s rescue and re-homing centre in Lanarkshire.

The charity is now appealing for information after a man had asked them to take the animals before being told they didn’t have room for them and he was told to come back.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Louise Seddon said: “The Guinea pigs have been well looked after and appear in good condition, although they do have overgrown claws.

“The man that dumped them outside the pet store had asked the staff to take them and was advised that he should call back in a couple days when they would hopefully have space available.

“Instead of taking this advice, he left the store before returning to leave these Guineas near the entrance where they could have very easily been attacked by dogs.

“Luckily, a staff member found the Guinea pigs and called us.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or for life.

Anyone with information about the owner of the Guinea pigs is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.