A HOLLYWOOD film about a band of crime-fighting guinea pigs has sparked fears over the safety of the pets.

Gwen Butler, who runs the Bunny Burrows animal sanctuary in Richmond, North Yorkshire, says new Disney animation G-Force could lead to a rise in people buying guinea pigs on impulse.

The action adventure, which follows a band of commando rodents as they try to stop an evil billionaire taking over the world, stars Penelope Cruz, Nicolas Cage and Bill Nighy.

Mrs Butler said it could also mislead some youngsters into trying to recreate some of the action scenes, and risk injuring their pets.

She said: “Guinea pigs make wonderful pets, but people need to know what they are doing.

“I am sure the film will be brilliant, but I worry that people will buy guinea pigs without thinking it through.

“There is also the risk that some children might actually think their new pets have the same powers of those in the film, and try to recreate some of the action scenes.”

Laura Godfrey, the manager at Pets at Home, Darlington, said the store would never sell an animal to a person they felt was not prepared to look after it.

She said: “Whenever a big film like this comes out, we never deliberately stock up on the animal featured.

“When people come in to buy a pet, we always ask them why they want it, and if we feel they are not prepared to be responsible for it, we simply do not sell.”

Sophie Corless, from the RSPCA, said: “Guinea pigs are friendly and easily tamed, but they need commitment and regular attention. Prospective owners need to be sure that they have the time and dedication to provide for them throughout their lives.”

The film is released on July 31.