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In the last 3 years CAW have taken in and rehomed 76 guinea pigs.This clearly
indicates a problem for the guinea pigs of County Clare. There are several
individuals in Clare who supply the pet shops with a constant supply of guinea
pigs, purely for profit, with no concern for their future well being.
Historically guinea pigs have always suffered in human hands. Most notably in
research laboratories but also in the pet trade. The trade in guinea pigs by
pet shops inevitably leads to suffering for these animals. They are far less
well suited to life as a pet than cats or dogs because in the wild guinea pigs
live in large groups, they are social animals and it is cruel to keep them singly.
When a male guinea pig is born in captivity his choices are limited. He cannot
easily be paired with another male, as they often fight, and the options of
neutering so he can live with a female presents many risks as guinea pigs are
so small and do not always cope well with anesthetics.
Far too often guinea pigs lead cramped, lonely lives, deprived of the space and
company they crave. After devoting 3 years of my life to guinea pig rescue, I
have come to the conclusion that these wonderful creatures would be far better
off living in the wild in South America.
Please dont buy guinea pigs from pet shops you will be supporting a cruel trade.
If however you already have a guinea pig, or guinea pigs there are a few basic rules
1. They need company
2. They need as much space as you can possibly give them, most of the shop
bought cages are far too small.
3. They should never be housed with rabbits as rabbits can bully guinea pigs.
There are some excellent websites on guinea pig care and we recommend the following.
Guinea Pig Cottage
www.cavyspirit.com
Click here to see Guinea Pigs we have rehomed and/or some that are looking for new homes
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