An abandoned Guinea pig has been rescued after a dog traced its scent in a park in Midlothian.
Welfare officers said the animal could have “frozen to death” if it hadn’t been spotted at King George V Park in Bonnyrigg last week.
The Scottish SPCA was alerted by a member of the public, who found the animal in some bushes after their dog had followed its scent.
The guinea pig, now named Jareth, is being cared for in a rescue and rehoming centre.
Senior inspector John Toule said: “We’re not sure how long the Guinea pig had been left in the park or how it came to be there.
“He was spotted by a member of the public along with an empty blue bowl. There were also shavings on the ground.
“The scene suggested that a box may have been emptied out, possibly a make-shift home for the large rodent, but there was no carrier or box found.
“Thankfully, the Guinea pig has no obvious injuries and appears to be in good health.
“We are grateful to the member of the public for alerting us to the Guinea pig. If he hadn’t been found he could have frozen to death or been found by a larger animal.
“We are keen to trace the owner of Jareth. If anyone has any information, we would urge them to phone our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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