FOUR guinea pigs died after being dumped and left to fend for themselves in a quarry.

Others survived, but RSPCA officers have not yet been able to catch them as the frightened animals keep running off into thick bramble.

One was picked up by a local resident out walking his dog in the quarry off Holt Lane, Brindle. Richard Taffs, of Whittle-le-Woods, has given a home to the brown and white guinea pig, which he has named Diesel.

RSPCA officers condemned the actions of whoever abandoned the animals. It is feared others may already have died in the cold weather.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Hill said: "It is despicable that someone would do this. There is little or no possibility that these animals could survive in the quarry -- particularly in such cold weather.

"We have seen at least two running around but every time we try to catch them, they dash off into the thick bramble and disappear. It is an almost impossible task.

"Sadly, this incident is likely to have arisen because someone did not consider the full implications of caring for animals.

"It is possible that the owner had not ensured the guinea pigs were neutered and they began to breed, becoming too much to cope with.

"All too often, it is left to organisations like the RSPCA to deal with the aftermath of such irresponsibility."

She went on to warn that it is a criminal offence to abandon an animal in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

Penalties can include six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a ban for any period up to life from keeping any animals.