No Place For Piggies: Guinea Pigs Left In Waltham Wilderness, Animal Control Wants Answers

WALTHAM, MA — A total of 19 guinea pigs have been abandoned in the city over the past several weeks, according to Waltham animal control officials.

Initially, 10 guinea pigs were discovered in a public cemetery, the city said.

Those findings were followed by another nine piggies left in woodlands near an office complex at 1601 Trapelo Road, off Exit 44 of MA Route 128/Interstate 95, the home of Welch’s Foods and other businesses.

Waltham workers have rescued all 19 animals and brought them to the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, a statement last week said.

The city declined to disclose more information. But officials warned the incidents appear to be part of a growing problem across Massachusetts.

Due to stricter regulations, local pet stores are purchasing fewer guinea pigs from breeders, according to Waltham Animal Control. Instead of surrendering the animals to rescue organizations or finding other new homes, some breeders are simply dumping their stock outdoors.

Guinea pigs, domesticated rodents that have been popular pets since the 16th century, rarely survive on their own.

“The lucky ones are found,” a statement said. “The rest usually end up as prey.”

The city asked anyone with information about the abandoned animals or possible breeders involved to contact Waltham Animal Control at 781-314-3596.

Currently, the Guinea Pig Sanctuary cares for more than 260 rescued guinea pigs.

The animals are not native to the African country of Guinea, nor are they genetically related to pigs.