Children who abandoned two guinea pigs at an animal shelter with a heartbreaking handwritten note have been reassured that the beloved pets are safe and well as they begin their search for a new home.

Staff at the RSPCA Hillfield Animal Home, in Stretton, say they will now do everything they can to find the two pets a new loving home. They were discovered left in a cardboard box outside the gates to the shelter by dog walkers.

The note in a young child's handwriting attached to the box read: "Please look after me. My sister is allergic to my pigs. I will miss them lots but they are making my sister ill. Bye bye, love you xx"

Bubble has had an operation to remove tumours

The pets, who have since been named Bubble and Squeak, are said to be settling in well after Squeak underwent an operation to remove tumours.

Angela Whitehurst, volunteer at the animal charity, said it was sad to receive the letter but she would still encourage people to take animals in to the centre, to ensure they stay safe.

She said: “It was quite sad because it has obviously come from a child who is unable to keep their pet for whatever reason. It is nice that they bought them to us so that we can try to find them somewhere they will be loved and taken care of.

“Of course, we don’t want to be inundated with these animals because we don’t always have the room but if you are in that situation we would much rather you bring them to us and don’t leave them anywhere to starve, be found by foxes or where they might escape.

“Our priority is keeping animals safe so if you can bring them to us and not leave them elsewhere we will do all we can for them.”

Angela said that caring for animals can be a much bigger commitment than people sometimes realise at first.

She said: "Whether it is cats, dogs, guinea pigs or other animals, it is a big ask to look after a pet. Some people often feel sorry for them and think they are cute but they are not prepared for the responsibility and we often see people bringing them back which is really upsetting.

The pair are looking for a new home

"At the moment we have three guinea pigs, three rats and three degus so Bubble and Squeak are in good company. They are settling in well and they seem to be doing great now Squeak has had his operation. We would love them to go to a home together as that is how they came in and they seem very close; they are often found cuddling together.

“We are hoping to find them some loving owners which is obviously what the people who left wanted for them judging by the note that was left. We will find them a nice home so if you are interested, please give us a call."

If you think you can offer Bubble and Squeak a loving new home call 01283 569164. to view other animals needing homes you can also go to the website at www.rspcaburton.org.uk

New RSPCA store in Burton’s High Street

A charity shop to generate fund for the RSPCA has opened in High Street, Burton. The store, which is open from 9am until 5pm from Monday to Saturday, is looking for volunteers to help out and is asking anyone willing and able to make donations to be sold in the shop.

Angela said: “It has been open for two weeks and we spent so much money and time getting up to scratch that we are so pleased it is finally up and running. If you can help in anyway or just want to come and have a look, please come down, it would be lovely to see you.”