Animal 0 Posté(e) le 14 décembre 2008 Slaughter of the guinea pigs: 124 found in field with skulls smashed By Aidan McGurran 12/12/2008 Sick thugs have clubbed to death 124 guinea pigs and dumped them in a field. Their skulls had been smashed and among the dead were mums-to-be and young pups. They were found in three white plastic feed sacks on a cycle path by a dog walker. Shocked RSPCA investigators fear the animals may have been ditched by a breeder no longer able to care for them. RSPCA inspector Kat Parfitt said: “This was an horrific discovery. What made it worse is that the animals were otherwise in good condition. “Some were pregnant and others just babies. We need to find out who is behind these killings. It’s beyond belief.” The guinea pigs were found in the Newborough area of Peterborough. Causing unnecessary suffering to animals carries up to six months in prison and a £20,000 fine. RSPCA officer Sophie Wilkinson added: “It’s rare to find so many animals killed in this way. Guinea pigs are usually abandoned alive. “I imagine it’s somebody who got overwhelmed by having so many.” Guinea pig lovers were outraged by the atrocity. Val Savage, 53, who runs a sanctuary in Sandwich, Kent, said: “It’s cruel and unnecessary. There are plenty of rescue centres for unwanted animals. “But there is no legislation on breeding animals and that is the root of the problem. People with no idea how to care for animals are allowed to breed them and end up unable to cope. This is one of the worst cases I have heard of. It’s horrific.” Three more bags – containing soiled bedding, dog excrement and sawdust – were found on Tuesday alongside the remains. Royal pets Guinea pigs were first reared for food 7,000 years ago in present-day Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. In the 16th century traders brought them to Europe, where they soon became popular pets for royals and nobility. http://www.mirror.co.uk Partager ce message Lien à poster Partager sur d’autres sites
