Foster carers needed for four gerbils found abandoned in a Cork apartment

The ISPCA is looking for foster carers for four Guinea pigs and a goldfish abandoned at an apartment in Cork recently.

Animal Inspector Lisa O’Donovan said: “When I arrived at the apartment, I discovered four little Guinea pigs absolutely terrified and they also appeared to be underweight and uncared for."

"It was unclear how long the animals were there. The goldfish was in a tank only half full with water which was evaporating and sadly a fifth Guinea pig had already died”.

The animals were removed from the property for veterinary assessment and they are currently in temporary foster care.

"I find it difficult to understand how anyone could just walk away and leave their pets behind with no one to care for them when there are options out there for people."

The ISPCA is appealing for foster carers for the animals. They said fostering is a great way to help timid or nervous animals. 

"What they really need is some quiet space so they can adjust to their new surroundings and get over their ordeal in their own time. With so many animals onsite, it can get a little noisy at the Centre especially around feeding times and fostering not only provides invaluable experience helping the ISPCA to care for so many rescued animals, but it also helps the most vulnerable animals we rescue begin to trust humans again."

Anybody with any information about possible cruelty to animals is asked to contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890 515 515 or report online at http://

www.ispca.ie/cruelty_complaint[/url].