Guinea pigs of various shapes and colors might soon call some Massachusetts homes their own as multiple animal welfare organizations across the state are joining forces for a unique adopt-a-thon. From January 5 to January 7, prospective pet owners will have the chance to adopt these cuddly rodents free of charge. A concerted effort by the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), and several other notable groups is under way to alleviate the swelling populations of guinea pigs in shelters.
The special adoption drive was created after a notable surge in shelter numbers. Just in the past week, ARL and MSPCA together absorbed an influx of 75 guinea pigs from a situation where pets had been poorly sexed by a pet store, resulting in many litters, the ARL reported. The Boston City recently passed a measure to stop pet stores from selling guinea pigs unless they have partnered up with rescue organizations, a move designed to curb the flow of bred-for-sale guinea pigs and encourage adoptions. "The sale of guinea pigs has been banned in pet stores in Boston unless the stores has partnered with a rescue organization. This ban helps promote adoption and cut down the number of abandoned guinea pigs in the area", ARL stated in a press release obtained by NBC Boston.
Alongside ARL and MSPCA, the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM), Dakin Humane Society, and Lowell Humane Society will open their doors to potential adopters this weekend. A list of participating locations can quickly be found, covering Boston, Dedham, East Brewster, Methuen, Salem, Centerville, Brockton, Springfield, and Lowell, as noted by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
The appeal of these pets, combined with the waived adoption fees, is expected to draw attention from animal lovers across Massachusetts. "ARL said that guinea pigs make for “amazing pets,” and that anyone interested in adopting is welcome to visit a participating shelter this weekend to add them into their home," according to a statement released to MassLive.
