The Danville Area Humane Society is offering a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for abandoning a guinea pig at the dumpster site on Kentuck Road.

Late Monday evening, a woman called to say she had just found a guinea pig in a cage in front of a dumpster.  She brought the cage and animal to the animal shelter. 

The cage was dirty, and the guinea pig was thin and dehydrated. 

It is illegal to abandon any animal, but given the circumstances of this case, including the condition of the guinea pig, the person responsible may be charged with cruelty to animals.  This is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and carries a jail sentence of up to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Paulette Dean, director, said, “Abandonment of animals along the highways or at dumpster sites is an ongoing problem in this area.  The humane society cannot tolerate any abuse or abandonment of any companion animal.”
 Lynn Shelton, board president said, “We are grateful for the person who noticed the animal and brought him to us.  We remind everyone that the animal shelter is an open-access shelter, and we do not charge a fee for any animal to be released to us.”

Anyone who has information about the abandonment of this guinea pig is urged to call the Danville Area Humane Society at 799-5306.  Callers may remain anonymous.  No taxpayer funds are used to support the reward program; it is supported by donations.