Don't Dump Small Pets: Harsh Words From Waltham Animal Control

WALTHAM, MA — After two cute guinea pigs was found apparently abandoned at the Paine Estate last week, one of which was attacked by dogs, the Animal Control officer called the dumping of the small pets and subsequent mauling of a little fuzzy animal totally unnecessary. "A word on dumping small pets. NO...IT IS NOT OK to dump or 'just let them go' when you can't (or don't want to) take care of them any more," she posted to Facebook. And then she explains just why.

Not only is it illegal, it subjects the small animal to a horrible death, she writes.

"Domestic animals CAN NOT survive out in the wild. They need us for food, protection and shelter. They do not have the instincts to evade predators and find food and they will starve and be taken by predators," she said.

Alternatives to just letting a small pet "free"? Take them to a rescue, she writes.

And if you do dump your pets? The Waltham Animal Control Officer says she hopes to find you.

"If I find out who you are, there will be repercussions," she said.

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Photo courtesy Waltham Animal Control

Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).