A Lancaster County coroner was cited for animal cruelty after investigators went to his home and found 11 guinea pigs suffering from severe eye, foot and back infections. Lancaster County Coroner Dr. G. Gary Kirchner said the summary citations, filed by a Humane Society officer last week, were unwarranted. He said his guinea pigs sometimes suffer wounds from fighting with each other, but that he helps the wounds heal by adding more vitamin C to the animals’ diet.
The coroner, who also has iguanas, birds, fish, cats and dogs, said he believes the investigation stems from a woman who came to his house to buy a guinea pig. He said she saw an adult guinea pig eating a newborn and then quickly left his home.
Kirchner said he believes the couple contacted the Humane Society officer, who visited his East Lampeter Township home June 12. He said he had not decided how to handle the citations, which carry fines of up to $750 each.
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