Foster homes found for guinea pigs abandoned in Lithia Park

Donut, Maple Bar and Popo were left in a crate in Lithia Park. Photo via Ashland Police Department Facebook page
March 13, 2025

Trio of pets were left in a crate with a sign saying ‘Free for the taking’

By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news 

Three guinea pigs had been left in Lithia Park, Ashland Community Service Officer Denise Aguilera was told when she was called to respond. 

The guinea pigs were left in a carrier “with a sign indicating ‘Free for the taking,’” Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara said in an email Wednesday. 

The trio of guinea pigs in the crate in which they were found. Photo via Ashland Police Department Facebook page

“The animals were secured for their safety by the CSO, as she unsuccessfully tried to find a landing spot for them at an animal shelter, sanctuary or pet store,” O’Meara said. 

The animals then went into the care of “another APD team member,” O’Meara said.

According to posts on the department’s Facebook page, the three little pigs  — dubbed Donut, Maple Bar and Popo — have found a secure foster home. Prior posts by T.J. Hull requested help finding homes and in a Facebook message; Hull said he had received “lots of inquiries,” for the guinea pigs. 

The sign attached to a crate in Lithia Park read “FREE Gunnya Pigs.” Photo via Ashland Police Department Facebook page

After first asking for anyone with information about who abandoned the guinea pigs to call the non-emergency line, APD has since stated on its Facebook page that, while the department can’t provide specifics on the investigation, it is no longer seeking information.

Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected].

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Bert Etling

Bert Etling is the executive editor of Ashland.news. Email him at [email protected].

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