7 chickens, 13 guinea pigs were found discarded, Cedar Rapids authorities seeking answers

CEDAR RAPIDS — Authorities are investigating two separate incidents of possible animal abuse after seven chickens and 13 guinea pigs were discarded.

According to Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control, officers received a report Thursday that seven chickens were placed in garbage bags and discarded on the side of Old River Road SW, east of Sunshine Street SW.

A passerby found the bag around 5 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release. Six of the seven chickens still were alive.

Cedar Rapids and Marion residents can surrender chickens to Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control.

Four days later, Animal Care and Control responded at 5:30 p.m. Monday to Rock Ridge Condominiums at 2121 Rockford Rd. SW after two tote bags containing 13 dead guinea pigs were found in a dumpster.

Authorities said the bags contained eight baby and five adult guinea pigs.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Animal Care and Control at (319) 286-5993.

Comments: (319) 398-8238; kat.russell@thegazette.com.