33 Guinea pigs surrendered in N.H.

METHUEN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A New Hampshire woman surrendered 33 Guinea pigs to the MSPCA adoption center in Methuen, Mass. after animal experts determined she was running a "Guinea pig mill" from her small home.

The woman, whose identity has not been released, was operating what animal shelter staff called the "equivalent of a puppy mill." She was continuously breeding the animals in order to sell the babies to local pet stores, but all of the animals were living in her small house and did not receive proper care.

The shelter received the animals on Saturday. Such a large number of animals coming at once is a big strain on the adoption center's resources, said Mike Keiley, director of the center at Nevins Farm.

Because of the new animals, Keiley said the center is un "urgent need" of foster homes and people wanting to permanently adopt the Guinea pigs.

The MSPCA has set up a donation form online for anyone who wants to donate money that will go towards taking care of the Guinea pigs.

In total, 10 adult female Guinea pigs will need to find foster homes for two months to make sure that they are not put into a permanent home if they are pregnant, the MSPCA said. Most of the babies will be available for adoption in mid-November, and up to 10 adult males are available now.

Anyone interested in adopting one or some of the animals is encouraged to visit the MSPCA-Nevins Farm Animal Care and Adoption Center at Care and Adoption Center at 400 Broadway St. in Methuen or visit www.mspca.org.

Cox Media Group