Roeselare (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Over 60 guinea pigs were abandoned in Roeselare and rescued by Duts from Balen. Naomi Ruymaekers reported 2 deaths, severe illness, and ongoing veterinary care for placement in new homes.
As VRT News reported, more than 60 guinea pigs were abandoned in Roeselare and have been taken in by the non-profit organisation Duts from Balen.
“Last night, around 9 p.m., we received a report from the Lamana Animal Shelter and Cavy Shelter about the dumped guinea pigs in Roeselare,”
says Naomi Ruymaekers of the non-profit organisation Duts, a shelter for rabbits and rodents in Balen.
What happened to over 60 guinea pigs abandoned in Roeselare?
A driver arrived with 3 crates filled with animals. He showed a delivery note, said “au revoir,” and left immediately. Shelter staff did not get the chance to ask questions before he drove away. Duts collected the guinea pigs and brought them to the shelter in Balen.
The animals are now housed safely and are being checked individually. Staff are monitoring their health and providing food and care. Animal welfare organisations continue to report a rise in abandoned pets.
The company where the guinea pigs were dropped off was not expecting any animals and had no knowledge of the delivery. Employees were surprised when they discovered the crates. Several staff members took action and brought some of the guinea pigs into their homes for the night.
They then contacted the non-profit organisation Duts for assistance. Nearby animal shelters were already full and could not offer space. Duts responded immediately and drove from Balen to Roeselare to collect the animals.
“It was terrible to see the condition of the guinea pigs. I suspect they’re only four or five weeks old, and they’re very ill. They had glued eyes, mange, fungus, diarrhoea, and they were skin and bones.”
2 guinea pigs had already died before the rescue was completed. Naomi Ruymaekers of Duts says there is concern that more animals could die in the coming days.
“I think the driver just wanted to get rid of them. The company where the guinea pigs were dumped sells pet food and supplies, but certainly not live animals. It’s very strange.”
The organisation believes the shipment may have been intended for a nearby pet shop, but the intended recipient has not yet been identified. A veterinarian will examine all of the guinea pigs. Once their condition improves and they are stable, Duts will begin placing them in suitable new homes.
“We have to quarantine the girls anyway, because guinea pigs can get pregnant as early as 3 or 4 weeks old. If we’re not careful, we’ll soon suddenly have 100 extra guinea pigs here.”
Flanders has been home to several other similar occurrences. In December of 2022, many guinea pigs were abandoned near a local shelter since the surrounding shelters had no available space. Then, during the summer of 2023, several bunnies and other small rodents were left abandoned in small boxes at a local industrial complex.
