AN INJURED and neglected guinea pig has had to be put down after being found abandoned in a hedge in Dawlish.

RSPCA officers are appealing for information following the grim discovery of the partly paralysed and underweight long-haired guinea pig.

He was found by a dog walker who found the long-haired guinea pig discarded in a hedge, tied up inside two carrier bags.

After being seen by a vet, the pet was put down.

RPSCA inspector Marjie Zwager is appealing to anyone who may have information to get in touch.

She said: ‘It is disgusting to think someone has come out here and dumped the poor guinea pig in a hedge, wrapped in plastic bags and just left him to die.

‘He must have been terrified.

‘I am baffled why the owner did not contact the RSPCA for help if they felt they could no longer cope.

‘Sadly he seems to have lost the use of his back legs and was dragging them behind.

‘He was also underweight and impacted with faeceas.

‘His nails were so overgrown they were curling into the pads.’

He was found on Wednesday December 6 in a hedge on a path at the end of Secmaton Land.

The RSPCA took him to a local vet but he had to be euthanised for humane reasons.

Anyone who recognises the brown, white and black guinea pig or who may have seen someone abandoning him should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.