Guinea pigs found in Southeast trash can

Three of the guinea pigs survived. (Courtesy of Washington Humane Society)

Six guinea pigs were found in wretched condition in a trash can behind a Southeast D.C. building last week, an animal advocacy group said.

The rodents, commonly kept as pets, were suffering from starvation, mite infestation and dehydration inside a filthy cage in the 2900 block of Knox Place SE, the Washington Humane Society said. Two of them were dead. Another died later.

The group is working to nurse the remaining three, which it said were severely underweight, back to health. They are recovering well, the group said, and have even been given names: Big Mac, Apple Pie and Small Fry.

The group is offering $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 202-234-8626.

This story was first reported by WTOP.

On the Web: Washington Humane Society

-- Mike McPhate