Concerneddd

Question
Heyy, im not sure if your the right person to ask this, but it has to do with Guinea Pigs. I had gone to a pet store thats a few miles away. and when i had gone, i saw 1 Guinea pig with alot of rabbits(maybe 10 rabbits) in a really small cage. and there were 2 larger guinea pigs(full grown) in a cage alone together, and 1 of their eyes(on each guinea pig) was closed shut with like black crusty stuff on the outside. When i saw this i remembered reading guinea pigs shouldnt be kept with rabbits, and the correct size of the cage for guinea pigs. the cage they are in isnt even large enough for ONE guinea pig. Also their puppies and cats look terribley sick, and sad with the same eye problems and boogers. Im a really big animal person, i NEVER want to see animals in pain, or not being treated correctly. I want to know, if there is anyone i can call or contact about this. I just want to make sure how they are treating their animals is okay. =/
If you can help me i would really appreciate it. Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Tiffany,
I'm so glad you contacted me about this, animal cruelty is very wrong and the pet store you just visited is not treating their pets humanely at all, from what you described.

The guinea pigs have crusty eyes because they are sick and they aren't getting a proper diet, they can die from this. Rabbits and guinea pigs should NEVER be kept together, so yes, you're right about that also. It's terrible that they were in those tiny cages.

The kittens and puppies are obviously not being cared for properly either, I'm so glad you're willing to help these poor animals that are in need.

I'm afraid I really don't know tons about the subject of animal cruelty, as far as reporting animal neglect etc. but if you can contact your local police or county sharif's office and explain to them the problem then they will be able to help you further. Politely, but firmly tell them that the animals in the pet store are being neglected and are very sick and unhealthy, the owners are clearly not providing their basic needs. Don't give up until you've found an answer, or until they've directed you to somebody else that will be able to help you.

You should also consider writing a letter to your local newspaper about this, and encourage people not to buy or sell animals or products to or from this pet store, explain what you saw.

It may also help to contact the owner/manager of the pet store over the phone(this would probably be the safest way for you to do it) and let them know that you expect them to take action and begin caring for their pets better or you will take further action. And stick to it, do what you tell them you're going to do.

Lastly, the members of guinealynx.com will be able to direct you further. It only takes about 30 seconds to become a member(it's free, also) and they have forums where you can share what you saw at the pet store with them. They are fantastic people and they'll be happy to help you, I'm a member of the website as well.

Please keep me updated, this is a subject that is very important to me and the animals that are suffering as well. I'm very thankful that you cared about those animals enough to contact me and take action, on behalf of those pets and others, thank you very, very much!

When you find out more information, please send me a private e-mail and I'll be able(and thrilled!) to help you further.

                                                             A.Jones