A large-scale small animal hoarding crisis has emerged in South Los Angeles, with rescue volunteers estimated between 400 and 500 guinea pigs found living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue (SCGPR) along with other rescue groups is calling on local officials, the public and fellow organizations to take immediate action to prevent further suffering.
The incident came to light this week when Los Angeles Animal Services warned local rescue groups that residents facing evictions should abandon around 200 guinea pigs. When SCGPR contacted individuals, the tenants said they would either relocate animals until Saturday, July 19th or risk losing their homes.
On the evening of July 17th, a team of volunteers from SCGPR, Rescue Garden and other related rescuers visited the property to assess the situation. Their encounters were far more serious than initially reported.
Volunteers discovered an estimated 400-500 guinea pigs. This is more than twice the number cited in the initial request for assistance. Animals lived in overcrowded spaces with inadequate food and water, and many showed clear signs of illness and negligence.
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The guinea pigs survived on the cornhusk diet, but between 80 and 100 animals shared a single water bottle, according to rescuers.
Among the most surprising conditions recorded by rescuers were extensive medical issues, including dead guinea pigs, caterpillars, tumors, open wounds and visible signs of malnutrition on the premises. Pregnant women, newborns and severely ill animals were mixed in cramped enclosures.
SCGPR, Rescue Garden, Wee Companion, and SCGPR, a friend of guinea pig friends, collectively removed 33 guinea pigs from the site, focusing on people with urgent medical needs. These animals are currently undergoing important veterinary care.
Concerns have been raised about the official response to the situation. On July 18, SCGPR volunteers reported that li had visited the property during Los Angeles animal services, and concluded that the animals looked “healthy and happy.”
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The SCGPR disputes the assessment, describing it as “deeply troublesome” and “violates animal welfare standards.”
“This is one of the most overwhelming and heartbreaking cases we have ever seen,” a representative of SCGPR said in a statement. “I am unacceptable to the response from the EU, who visited our property this morning in the face of such visible pain.”
SCGPR documented the conditions and released a video on YouTube showing rescue operations and the state where the guinea pig was found.
With hundreds of animals still on property and local officials cite the lack of resources to bring them in, rescue groups are urging the public to cultivate or recruit guinea pigs to free up space and allow for further intake. Donations to support healthcare and supply are also accepted.
Additionally, SCGPR and its partners are calling on city officials and the broader animal welfare community to launch a full investigation into such a large animal welfare emergency and overhaul the systemic response protocol.
To learn more or support your continued rescue efforts, visit the official website of Guinea Pig Rescue in Southern California.
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