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More than 400 guinea pigs found in South Los Angeles home, rescue team asks public for help

Over 400 Guinea Pigs Rescued from Overwhelming Hoarding Situation in South Los Angeles

In a startling discovery that highlights the ongoing challenges of animal hoarding and urban pet overpopulation, Los Angeles Animal Services officials recently uncovered a massive colony of approximately 400 guinea pigs in a residential area of South Los Angeles. The incident, which unfolded in a quiet neighborhood, has drawn widespread attention to the plight of these small, often overlooked pets and the strain they place on local animal welfare resources. What began as a routine welfare check quickly escalated into one of the largest small animal rescues in the city's recent history, prompting calls for community involvement in adoptions and fostering to alleviate the burden on overcrowded shelters.

The saga began when concerned neighbors reported unusual activity and odors emanating from a property in the South Los Angeles area. Upon arrival, animal control officers were met with an astonishing sight: hundreds of guinea pigs, ranging from newborns to adults, scattered across a backyard and makeshift enclosures. The animals were living in cramped, unsanitary conditions, with many showing signs of neglect such as matted fur, overgrown nails, and potential health issues stemming from overcrowding. Initial estimates put the number at around 200, but as rescuers delved deeper, the count surged to over 400, including pregnant females and litters of tiny pups. The sheer volume of the animals required multiple teams and several hours to safely capture and transport them to nearby shelters.

Authorities suspect this was a case of animal hoarding, a psychological condition where individuals accumulate more animals than they can properly care for, often leading to severe neglect. In this instance, the property owner, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed pending investigation, reportedly started with a small number of guinea pigs as pets. However, guinea pigs are prolific breeders—females can produce litters of up to five pups every two months, with a gestation period of just 59 to 72 days. Without intervention, such as spaying or neutering, populations can explode rapidly. Experts believe the colony may have grown unchecked for months or even years, turning what might have been a well-intentioned hobby into a humanitarian crisis for the animals involved.

Los Angeles Animal Services, already grappling with high intake numbers from post-pandemic pet surrenders and stray populations, found itself overwhelmed by the sudden influx. The guinea pigs were distributed among several facilities, including the South LA Animal Shelter and partner organizations like the Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to the welfare of these rodents. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to provide immediate care, including veterinary check-ups, parasite treatments, and nutritional support. Many of the guinea pigs were underweight and dehydrated, requiring specialized diets rich in hay, fresh vegetables, and vitamin C, as guinea pigs cannot produce this essential nutrient on their own and are prone to scurvy if deficient.

This rescue operation underscores broader issues in animal welfare, particularly for "pocket pets" like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits, which are often impulse purchases for families but require more care than commonly assumed. Guinea pigs, native to the Andes region of South America, have been domesticated for thousands of years and are known for their gentle, social nature. They thrive in pairs or small groups, needing ample space to roam, hide, and forage. In hoarding situations, however, these needs are rarely met, leading to stress, disease transmission, and high mortality rates among the young. Animal behaviorists note that hoarding often stems from deeper emotional issues, such as loneliness or compulsive behaviors, and addressing it requires a compassionate approach that includes mental health support for the humans involved.

In response to the crisis, city officials and animal advocates have launched an urgent appeal for adoptions. The South LA shelter, along with partnering rescues, is offering guinea pigs for adoption at reduced fees, emphasizing the importance of responsible ownership. Potential adopters are encouraged to consider the long-term commitment—guinea pigs can live up to eight years and require daily interaction, cage cleaning, and veterinary care. To prevent future incidents, educational campaigns are being promoted, teaching the public about the risks of unchecked breeding and the benefits of spaying/neutering small animals. Local veterinarians have stepped up, offering discounted services for new adopters to ensure the guinea pigs receive proper health screenings.

The story has resonated beyond Los Angeles, drawing comparisons to similar large-scale rescues across the country. For instance, in 2022, a hoarding case in Pennsylvania involved over 500 guinea pigs, highlighting a national trend where economic pressures and lack of awareness contribute to such overwhelming situations. In California, where pet ownership is among the highest in the nation, shelters report a 20-30% increase in small animal intakes since the COVID-19 pandemic, as people who adopted pets during lockdowns later found themselves unable to cope. This South LA incident adds to the narrative, prompting discussions on policy changes, such as stricter regulations on pet breeding and enhanced funding for animal control services.

Community response has been heartening, with dozens of volunteers stepping forward to foster groups of guinea pigs in their homes. Social media campaigns, using hashtags like #AdoptDontShop and #GuineaPigRescueLA, have gone viral, sharing adorable photos of the rescued animals to encourage adoptions. One volunteer, speaking anonymously, described the scene: "It was like a sea of little furry faces, all squeaking for attention. Some were so scared, but with a bit of love and fresh greens, they're starting to come out of their shells." Such stories humanize the rescue, reminding the public that these are sentient beings deserving of care.

Experts from organizations like the Humane Society emphasize that preventing hoarding starts with education and early intervention. Signs include accumulating animals beyond one's capacity, denying problems despite evidence of neglect, and isolating from help. For guinea pigs specifically, prospective owners should research breeds—such as Abyssinians with their rosette fur or smooth-coated Americans—and prepare for the space they need, ideally a cage of at least 7.5 square feet for a pair.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working with the property owner to provide resources rather than immediate punishment, aligning with a rehabilitative approach to hoarding cases. Meanwhile, the guinea pigs are settling into their temporary homes, with many already finding forever families. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities of pet ownership and the critical role of community in supporting animal welfare. For those interested in helping, contacting Los Angeles Animal Services or local rescues is encouraged—every adoption makes a difference in clearing space for the next animal in need.

Looking ahead, this rescue could inspire broader changes in how cities handle small animal populations. Proposals include expanding low-cost spay/neuter programs for rodents and increasing public awareness through school programs. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Los Angeles, where urban wildlife and domestic pets often intersect, stories like this highlight the delicate balance between human compassion and the realities of animal care. As the guinea pigs recover and find new homes, their journey from neglect to nurture stands as a testament to the power of collective action in the face of adversity.

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Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/400-guinea-pigs-south-los-angeles/ ]