Verizon worker finds 9 abandoned guinea pigs in East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Verizon worker found nine abandoned guinea pigs in East Providence Thursday night, according to authorities.

The Rhode Island SPCA said that they took in the guinea pigs — four adults and five babies — Friday morning.

They were found at about 7 p.m. by the Verizon worker, Joseph Bianchi, who said he saw two people wearing hoodies and face masks, removing a covered cage from their car and placing it near the Rhode Island SPCA driveway.

The two people then left, said Stephanie Van Patte, who’s with the Rhode Island SPCA.

Bianchi then called police. The officer who responded brought the animals to the Rhode Island SPCA.

Patte said they were found in horrible conditions — covered in urine and feces. They also have body and ear mites.

The Rhode Island SPCA said this is the second case of abandonment this week they’ve dealt with. They said they took in a Flemish Giant rabbit that was brought to them after allegedly being left on the side of the road in Pawtucket.

Anyone with information about the guinea pigs’ case should call the Rhode Island SPCA at 401-438-8150.