A FAMILY of abandoned guinea pigs almost froze to death after being dumped in a cardboard box in a field full of cattle.
The four guinea pigs were discovered on Monday by a member of the public in the field off the A178, near Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.
Debbie Cliff, the RSPCA's animal collection officer, said they were found huddled together, and as well as being frozen, were dangerously close to being trampled on by the cows.
She said: "Whoever abandoned these animals had absolutely no intention of them being found.
"They had no food or bedding in the cardboard box and would not have lasted long.
"Although Spring is on the way, it is still cold at night and these guinea pigs would have perished had they not been found."
They have been taken to the RSPCA's Great Ayton Animal Centre, North Yorkshire, where staff are trying to find them a home.
Anyone with information about who dumped the animals is asked to call the RSPCA in confidence on (08705) 555999.
To offer a home to one or more of the guinea pigs, call the animal centre on (01642) 724016.
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