Two guinea pigs have been rescued after being dumped beside a busy road.

The pets, named Jaffa and Casper, were taken in by the RSPCA after being abandoned in Holly Park Road, Friern Barnet, at around 8am on January 2.

After they were found, the guinea pigs were taken to RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital and are now at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre, where they will be rehomed when they are ready.

RSPCA Inspector Chris McGreal said: "Dumping animals is never the right thing to do, but for them to be abandoned in cold weather like this is incredibly cruel.

“We aren’t sure how long they had been left before someone called us but it would seem they hadn’t been there very long as they would have been exposed to freezing temperatures and other threats and would have been very vulnerable."

Ham & High: The guinea pigs are now being looked after at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre until they can be rehomedThe guinea pigs are now being looked after at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre until they can be rehomed (Image: RSPCA)

Mr McGreal added: "We appeal to anyone who recognises them or has any information to get in touch on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 1206456."

Animal neglect and abandonment have reached a three-year high, with the impact of the pandemic and rising living costs causing an increase in cases for the charity.

Last year, the RSPCA recorded 20,999 such cases - more than in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The charity offers a dedicated cost of living hub and a helpline (0300 123 0650) to assist those struggling with pet-associated costs.

The RSPCA, celebrating its 200th birthday this year, aims to improve the welfare of animals.