York RSPCA staff 'shocked' at arrival of 48 guinea pigs

The RSPCA suddenly had extra animals to care for after 48 guinea pigs arrived at its centre in York

"Shocked" staff at a York animal centre had their hands full after the arrival of nearly 50 guinea pigs needing homes.

Carers at the RSPCA centre on Landing Lane had to work extra hours when 48 of the animals were donated following the death of their owner.

Centre manager Ruth McCabe said: "We've never had a sudden intake of such a large amount of animals."

Following a period of quarantine the guinea pigs will be put up for adoption.

The RSPCA said it needed donations of hay and fresh vegetables to feed the animals

Ms McCabe said when the guinea pigs arrived "it was a bit of a shock" with staff "a little bit taken aback to say the least".

"It was a huge undertaking sexing them all and checking they were all well, making sure we had enough bedding and food," she said.

"A lot of the staff had to work extra hours to make sure the animals were all settled and comfortable for the night."

The animals had settled into the centre's isolation block which was being used as emergency housing

The animal charity has appealed for donations of hay and fresh vegetables - especially spinach, kale, broccoli and peppers - to feed the animals.

Ms McCabe said the centre's isolation block was currently being used as emergency accommodation for the creatures, which had been separated and housed in family groups to avoid "an explosion of even more guinea pigs".

She said due to the high number of guinea pigs taken in, some of the animals would need to be cared for at different animal centres, until they could be put up for adoption.