ANIMAL cruelty investigators are appealing for information after live pets were left for dead in a North-East woodland.

So far, 13 guinea pigs, some of them pregnant, have been rescued from woods at Knitsley, near Consett, County Durham, but three were found dead.

The RSCPA has also recovered the bodies of two pheasants and a rabbit along with rubbish that had been left.

Inspector Cathy Maddison said: “I’m really keen to hear from anybody who might know where these animals have come from.

“The woodland area is just up past the crossroads near The Old Mill, Butsfield Lane, at Knitsley, and it’s a well-known fly-tipping site.

“When I went to investigate the site with my colleague, there were three dead guinea pigs, two dead pheasants and a large dead white rabbit in amongst lots of rubbish which included bedding and water bottles.”

It is thought that there were more live guinea pigs dumped, but these were not found so it is likely they ran off to hide in the woodland.

The shocking discovery, was made, by a passer-by at about 10.30am on Wednesday.

The captured guinea pigs are now being cared for by staff at Consett Pet and Aquatic Centre and Groom at the Top who went out to round them up to protect them from the freezing conditions.

They are also being treated at Prince Bishops Veterinary Hospital at Leadgate.

Lisa Hubert, from Groom at the Top, who helped find the guinea pigs, said: “I am assuming that they have thought they were going to die. There were fox footprints around, so maybe the person who has left them did not want to have to deal with these extra babies.

“Maybe they were just hoping that they were not going to survive.

“It is very heartless when you consider there are so many place you could take them.

“There are three local vets in this area, rescue centres and the RSPCA who would send them in the right direction.

“At this time of year guinea pigs really shouldn’t be outside at all.”

The pet shop is now looking for new homes for the guinea pigs and will giving them away for free to loving families.

Ms Hubert said: “We are hoping to find people who can look after them in a few weeks so we can make sure they are healthy first.

“We are hoping to find them good homes where they are not going to be abandoned.”

Anyone with any information can contact the RSCPA on 0300 1238018 or to contact Ms Hubert call 01207 593373.