Dozens of guinea pigs dumped near adult novelty store

CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – It was a sight that even seasoned animal control officers could hardly believe -- dozens of guinea pigs roaming around the parking lot at an adult novelty store.

It ended with two people facing more than 60 counts each of animal cruelty charges.

Huntington-Cabell-Wayne Animal Control was called out early Thursday morning about the wayward pets meandering around behind the business on U.S. 60.

Animal control officers spent the next several hours using infrared to round up the creatures. Some employees helped catch the animals, as well.

It was a sight that even seasoned animal control officers could hardly believe -- dozens of guinea pigs hopping around the parking lot at an adult bookstore. (WSAZ)

Officers say employees at the store provided solid information to help build a warrant on the person who dumped the animals.

Employees at the store told the humane officer they had more than 50 guinea pigs running around.

Officials say they have learned the animals were dumped following an argument between a couple -- identified in Cabell County court records as David Caserta, 37, and Katrina G. Hogsett, age unavailable, both of Huntington.

Caserta is accused of grabbing the guinea pigs after his girlfriend, Hogsett, went to bed, then dumping them near the business.

According to court records, Caserta faces 60 counts of abandoning an animal to die, and Hogsett is charged with 60 counts of cruelty to animals, medical treatment necessary to sustain normal health and fitness, or to end the suffering of any animal.

Several of the animals were taken to a guinea pig rescue center in Pennsylvania called Wheek Care, according to animal control officers.

If you want to help with their recovery, Wheek Care Guinea Pig Rescue has a PayPal account.

The adult store general manager wants to thank Sheetz for providing two bags of lettuce for the guinea pigs to eat.

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Dozens of guinea pigs dumped near adult bookstore

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