TWO Guinea pigs were abandoned in woodland near Salisbury.

The RSPCA, who are investigating the incident, were called on Saturday evening to Southampton Road in Alderbury.

A man had found the long-haired Guinea pigs dumped with a dirty cage in the woods and took them home.

The pair’s fur was matted and they were covered in ticks.

They have since been named Olivia and Ellie.

RSPCA inspector Tina Ward went to collect the little Guinea pigs and took them to the charity’s Stubbington Ark Animal Centre.

“A man was walking through the woods when he came across these poor little things dumped in the middle of nowhere, wet and cold,” said inspector Ward. 

“The frightened pair had matted coats and were covered in faeces.

“The filthy cage had obviously been chucked out which meant the Guinea pigs were able to escape. They were lucky to have been found.”

The two long-haired pigs - one tricolour and one brown - are now being cared for by staff at the charity’s branch in Hampshire.

“The poor duo were covered in ticks, which have been removed, and are still very skittish having been through a lot,” inspector Ward added.

“To dump two small, vulnerable pets in the middle of the woods like this is so upsetting and I’d like to hear from anyone who might be able to help our investigation into who was responsible for this."

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.