Two young guinea pigs were found dumped in a box on a doorstep.

Eastern Daily Press: The RSPCA is appealing for information after two young guinea pigs were dumped in a small box on the doorstep of a vacant property in Kings Lynn. Picture: RSPCAThe RSPCA is appealing for information after two young guinea pigs were dumped in a small box on the doorstep of a vacant property in Kings Lynn. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

The little pigs - two young males - were found squeezed into a box with a bag of dried guinea pig food by a woman on Sunday, April 22 in Browning Place, King's Lynn.

She reported the discovery to the RSPCA and the little creatures were collected by animal collection officer (ACO) Antoinette Shearsby.

She said: 'The little tricolour pair were obviously very frightened and confused but thankfully they appeared to be in good condition and weren't injured or sick.

'Unfortunately, the RSPCA is often called to collect pets that have been abandoned when their owners no longer want them or can't keep them.'

Eastern Daily Press: The RSPCA is appealing for information after two young guinea pigs were dumped in a small box on the doorstep of a vacant property in Kings Lynn. Picture: RSPCAThe RSPCA is appealing for information after two young guinea pigs were dumped in a small box on the doorstep of a vacant property in Kings Lynn. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

The guinea pigs - nicknamed Arthur and Albert, two of the favourite names for the new Royal baby - are now being looked after by staff at RSPCA West Norfolk.

The animal welfare charity believes one of the major causes of guinea pigs being neglected is a misconception that they are easy to look after or that they can be a child's first pet.

'It's so important that people do their research before getting a pet,' ACO Shearsby added.

'Guinea pigs may be small in size but they're still a big commitment and require lots of care and attention.

'If you take on the responsibility of a pet then you should be able to care for him or her for the rest of their lives.'

Arthur and Albert will be held by the RSPCA for a week. If nobody comes forward to claim them then staff will find them a loving new home.

Anyone who would like more information on the pair of pigs should contact RSPCA West Norfolk by calling 01553 618889 or emailing receptionrspcanorfolkwest@gmail.com.

To rehome one of the RSPCA's guinea pigs or any other small animals, visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.

Anyone with information about who may have abandoned the guinea pigs should contact the RSPCA's appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for ACO Shearsby.