Terrified guinea pigs rescued from Edinburgh bush as SSPCA urges public not to abandon pets
The heartbreaking discovery was made by a dog walker on Monday
Last updated 17th Apr 2025
Six guinea pigs – including four tiny babies – have been rescued after being found dumped under a thorn bush in Edinburgh.
The Scottish SPCA is renewing calls for people not to abandon animals, after the heartbreaking discovery was made by a dog walker on Monday, just off Dumbryden Road in Wester Hailes.
He called the animal helpline after hearing panicked squeaking from the undergrowth. Rescue officers Chris Hawkes and Aileen Maybury rushed to the scene and managed to safely collect the frightened animals, who were huddled together for warmth.
“This is a stark reminder that there’s no excuse for abandoning an animal,” said Chris. “They were lucky to be found when they were – it could have ended very differently.”
The guinea pigs were examined by a vet and are now safe in SPCA care.
The charity is urging anyone struggling to care for a pet to reach out for help, and says its new Pet Aid Community Hubs - offering free health checks, food support and behaviour advice – will expand further across Scotland this year.
Anyone with information about the abandoned guinea pigs is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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