The RSPCA started an investigation after the abandonment of two guinea pigs in Middleton.
A resident stumbled across them in a box while she was sorting her bins on Wythburn Road.
The RSPCA said the abandonment of the two guinea pigs on February 5 might have been a result of the owner struggling with the cost or the expertise required to care for the animals.
They were taken to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and into the care of the RSPCA Derby and District Branch.
Inspector Alex Ashton said: "This was distressing to see as the guinea pigs were left in the street in a poor condition.
"They are long-haired guinea pigs and their coats hadn’t been looked after so they had to have them shaved off at our hospital."
The RSPCA said abandonment is at a three-year high due to a combination of the coronavirus crisis and the cost of living crisis.
Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.
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