RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after six guinea pigs were left abandoned in a bag in Barry.

The six guinea pigs – of varying ages – were found in a Lidl bag in a layby off Port Road on the 14th of September. They were found by a member of the public who contacted the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Gemma Black said: "I spent nearly two hours along with the help of another officer rummaging through the brambles and we managed to recover a family of six guinea pigs – which we believe is a mum, dad and two litters of babies.

"We hope we got them all but as they were loose there is no way of knowing, and with them being found after dark it made the search really hard.

"They have now all been health checked and other than muddy with a little fur loss in areas they are good and are being taken to to RSPCA Newport Animal Centre."

RSPCA Cymru is now appealing for information to try and find out what happened to these guinea pigs.

"These guinea pigs would not have survived in the wild if they had not been collected," added Gemma.

"The bag itself was soiled in faeces so I'm not sure if they had been dumped in this bag a while and managed to somehow tip it over themselves – or if they had been held in the bag for some time before being dumped.

"We always urge people to do their research before taking on a pet but if they find themselves in the position that they can no longer care for them, they should be very careful to take steps to ensure they are going to a safe and happy home.

''The best thing to do is always to seek the help of a registered, reputable charity."

If anyone has any information about this incident please contact us on 0300 123 8018.

If you find an animal in distress, please call us on 0300 1234 999.

If you wish to help RSPCA Cymru, you can donate online. The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations.