Milton-Freewater woman rescues 72 abandoned guinea pigs

A Milton-Freewater woman took in 72 guinea pigs found abandoned in Umatilla County and has slowly been able to find new homes for the critters with the help of the community.

Brandi Holady says 92 guinea pigs were found dumped on her friends property in Umapine. Her friends found homes for about 20 of the guinea pigs but couldn't care for the rest. Holday says she knew she had to do something.

"I have a spot that was originally built for rabbits, and so I felt like I could put them in there as we were separating everybody out. Space issue wasn't really an issue, it was more, 'How am I going to feed these?' and so far the community has really stepped forward and donated plenty of supplies," says Holady.

Since finding the guinea pigs last week, another 30 or so have been able to be adopted. But several of the females were pregnant and it could be another month or two before they and the babies can be adopted. Holady says some of the pigs will also be going to rescues and shelters in Tri-Cities. Her family even decided they can't part with two of the guinea pigs, now fondly named "Olivia" and "Tuna Casserole."

Holady has set up a Facebook page and GoFundMe page for those in the region interested in adopting or helping support the critters who still need homes.

Ultimately, she hopes this further shows the county a need for an animal control program, which Umatilla does not have.