TWO guinea-pigs and a little grey rabbit dumped by their owners were discovered in a hedgerow by a Dartmoor farmer at the weekend.
Les Parr from Shillapark Farm, Merrivale, was on his way home when the rabbit popped out of a hedge on the back road from Peter Tavy.
His wife Karen said: 'He stopped when he realised the rabbit was a domestic not a wild one. When he clambered over the hedge to look for it, he found the rabbit and the two guinea-pigs huddled together. We don't know how long they were there. All three were traumatised but are now perking up after 24 hours of care.'
The Parrs had never looked after a guinea-pig or rabbit before so had to make a quick telephone call to Tavistock pet-shop owner Georgina Elias.
'Georgina was very helpful and we rushed out for some spring greens and other food as the animals did look a bit thin.'
The three friends are now living together in a borrowed dog cage.
'I just hope someone's conscience is struck when they read this story,' said Karen. 'I don't understand how people can just dump animals.'