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The proprietor of the guinea pigs, who volunteers for the RSPCA, fosters animals in want and takes in guinea pigs who’ve been rescued.
He spent all evening on Monday (April 8) transferring her guinea pigs to security because the floodwater rose at her home in Littlehampton.
When the water continued to rise in her backyard on Tuesday morning (April 9) she referred to as the RSPCA for assist.
Animal rescue officer Marie Stevens went to assist. She stated: “These guinea pigs have an absolutely fantastic home in a purpose-built guinea pig heaven with a large, two-storey indoor space and a huge run.
“But when I arrived their run was under approximately 1ft (30cm) of water and the guinea pigs’ owner had moved them inside to the upper level but was concerned about their safety.
“Her quick actions overnight had saved them from near certain drowning and we were happy to help move them to temporary accommodation while she concentrated on clearing her house, garden and the guinea pigs’ home.”
Some of the 43 guinea pigs within the herd had been beforehand rescued by the RSPCA from cruelty and neglect, earlier than being taken on by their new proprietor.
Marie added: “We were only too happy to help ensure the safety of these piggies, many of whom were originally rescued by our teams before being rehomed in Littlehampton.”
“We managed to get them all into boxes and cages to move them but because all of the surrounding roads were badly flooded we had to load them onto trolleys and wheelbarrows to wheel them over a footbridge and to my van.
“I’ve never seen flooding like it in that part of Sussex; it’s unprecedented.”
Marie transported the entire guinea pigs to an emergency momentary foster home the place they’ll stay till their home has dried out.
The RSPCA is a part of Defra’s National Flood Response Team and has roughly 60 specially-trained officers and a fleet of a number of emergency rescue boats that may be launched for water rescues. The water rescue groups are educated to function in fast-flowing and contaminated water, and will be referred to as upon to help in rescuing animals, individuals and supply help to communities affected by flooding.
The RSCPA supplied some prime suggestions for individuals to arrange for flooding:
– Plan your escape route and hold contact particulars of people that may also help you progress your animals in an emergency;
– Ensure you will be contacted in an emergency – in case you have horses or livestock in discipline connect your contact particulars to gates so that you will be contacted;
– Make certain you’ve got appropriate carriers available for small animals and hold a provide of meals in case of evacuation;
– Bring small animals inside and, if attainable, upstairs, and transfer meals, bedding and so forth someplace dry;
– Put necessary paperwork in sealed bag together with picture of pet incase they get misplaced and guarantee microchip particulars are up-to-date and registered;
– Move livestock and horses to excessive floor and guarantee you’ve got emergency feed and water provides;
– If it’s important to go away your animals behind, go away them inside an upstairs room with loads of meals and water. Leave notices on the surface doorways to say there are animals inside and make contact with the RSPCA or your native Flood Warden instantly to debate rescue.
Residents can keep knowledgeable by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for info and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Wales residents ought to search updates from https://naturalresources.wales/.
To see all RSPCA flood recommendation for small pets, horses and livestock, see the charity’s information on-line: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/floods.
If you see an animal outdoors that appears prefer it’s struggling or in peril, take a observe of the placement, time and date, and name the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 (8am-7.30pm).
