Noé Állatotthon Alapítvány

Neglected pets
2010.03.23.

When we hear a report about abandoned and tortured animals, the main character of the story is usually a dog or a cat. It is, however, a mistake to believe that only these pets suffer from human neglect and roam aimlessly on the streets. Other small animals, ferrets, hamsters or guinea pigs are also thrown out from time to time, and their chance to survive is even smaller than that of dogs and cats.

A typical result of irresponsible keeping is the unwanted litter. Most rodents are multipara animals and can give birth to 10-12 babies at a time. For some owners, the easiest way to handle the problem is to “set the animals free” in a park. Only a very small percent of such animals end up in a shelter or at a rescue organization, their majority dies of the shock and the lack of food in several days. Our Rodent Rescue Team fought for the life of an abandoned guinea pig – unfortunately, in vain. The animal probably spent months on the street.

The Rodent Rescue Team’s report:

“We received a phone call late in the evening on Friday, 19 March in which one of the locals notified us that a guinea pig was found in Pécel in very bad condition. Luckily one of our volunteers was close and took the animal in. The once beautiful, grey-and-white male was so thin that his spine and pelvis was visible and he suffered from such a serious scabies that his skin deformed into a thick, hard substance. He was covered with wounds. His movement was clumsy and uncoordinated, he often fell and couldn’t get up. He immediately received antiparasitic treatment upon his arrival, and Saturday morning we took him to the vet. Even the much experienced vets of the Noah’ Ark Animal Shelter were shocked by the sight and said they had never seen a guinea pig in such a bad condition. It seemed probable that Domino (as we christened him) spent the past weeks wandering on the streets, fighting for survival. The veterinarians did not express much optimism but we wanted to give him a chance and decided to start his treatment and rehabilitation.

Domino, when we took him in

He underwent another antiparasitic treatment and received antibiotics and vitamins. One of our volunteers took him home and provided him with housing, nourishment and medical care. We agreed to observe him continuously and, if no developments would occur, take him back to the vet two days later for a check-up.

The animal had a serious scabies and was incredibly thin

In the first two days there was some room for hope. Domino was in a more or less good mood, had appetite and wasn’t afraid of people. Even though he didn’t like to be held in hand and still had problems with coordinating his movements it seemed that he was fighting for his life and did’t want to give up. Our relief, however, was only temporary. After a peaceful Sunday Domino’s condition seriously deteriorated, he had spasms and became apathetic. Our volunteer did not wait until the time of the scheduled meeting with the vet but took him to the veterinary center in the morning. Unfortunately, it was already late – Domino died in the cab on the way to the vet.

He could hardly stand on his feet

The fate of this poor little guinea pig is tragic for several reasons. Had he been found a little bit earlier, we would have been able to help him. His story is a sad illustration to the fact that many small animals are thrown out just because they are problematic or not needed. Some owners may even nurse a false romantic idea about setting animals free in nature. Domino did not leave his home by his own initiative – it is impossible in case of a guinea pig kept in a proper cage or terrarium in a room and provided with food and water. It is much more probable that his owner simply wanted to get rid of him. Some people may think that these small animals can find shelter and food in a park or a forest, but this is not true! Small animals that are kept as pets depend on human care just as dogs and cats do. It is not possible to set them free as they do not survive without human care and supervision. Those who “set them free” doom them to the same fate Domino had to suffer!

Good bye, Domino, our little friend, nothing hurts anymore.”