Downham Market woman rescues 29 Guinea Pigs in need of care

A Downham woman is appealing for donations after rescuing 29 guinea pigs, 12 of which are pregnant, from Peterborough last week.

Sara Coulson Burr,47 is part of a guinea pig rescue organisation Iggle Piggle, which was founded by Hertfordshire woman Jane Evans seven years ago.

The organisation has representatives all over the UK. The pair met at a guinea pig show and Ms Coulson Burr joined the team of eleven, who are self-funded.

Ms Coulson Burr said: “Since the pandemic many people are finding they are unable to look after guinea pigs and many are being surrendered to us.

“Some come in with no problems at all but others are ill or have been neglected.” There is no suggestion of wrongdoing in this case.

Last weekend 29 pigs were retrieved from Peterborough and Ms Coulson Burr said she found the animals in a devastating condition which left her “shocked”.

She said: “We have 29 from that rescue and 12 of the sows are pregnant.

“Many of them are suffering with health conditions and are in need of veterinary care.”

The pigs are suffering with conditions such as fungal bumblefoot, ring worm, malnutrition, eye infections, overgrown nails, mites and anxiety about human touch.

One of the sows has already aborted four of her unborn pups due to stress.

Ms Coluson Burr said: “It was very upsetting and at one point we were worried we might lose her.

“I messaged H and C Bearts, a pet supplier in Stowbridge, to explain we had a big rescue and see if they could help us with supplies and they donated two sacks of feed and two bales of shavings as well as a grazing bale.”

Iggle Piggle have a wish list on shopping site Amazon which lists the items they are in need of, including; sacks of feed, shavings, fruit and vegetables, barley oats and micronised pea flakes.

Ms Coulson Burr said: “I help rescue guinea pigs because its a great cause to help pigs in need. I’ve nursed Skinny Pigs(guinea pigs with no fur) and lethal whites (a full white guinea pig).”

Since last weekend a further 10 pigs have been taken in and in the coming months there will be many pups available for adoption.

The organisation has a Facebook and Instagram page where they can be contacted and the public can view details of the rescues and the latest calls for donation.