In Switzerland It Is Illegal To Only Own One Guinea Pig Because They Get Too Lonely
Switzerland has a few pet rules that sound almost too strange to be real, but they are very much part of the country’s animal welfare laws. One of the most talked-about examples involves guinea pigs, which are not supposed to live alone for long.
That matters because guinea pigs are social animals, and Swiss law treats their need for company seriously. The same idea shows up in rules for other pets too, from goldfish to parrots and even cats in certain situations. Read on.
Switzerland has given some animals "social rights."
For guinea pigs, this means that it is illegal to only own one because they get too lonely by themselves!
That is where things get especially unusual.
They are naturally herd animals and rely on the comfort of having a family.
If one of your guinea pigs dies before the other, you can rent a guinea pig to keep it company.
(Yes, you read that right!)
It gets even stranger from there.
This debate about pets while living alone mirrors the online argument over whether it’s cruel to keep pets solo.
The laws extend to other animals, too.
You must also have more than one goldfish. Parrots must have the opportunity to socialize with other birds; otherwise, you must have more than one.
Cats are allowed to be the sole animal; however, they must be able to go out and meet other cats, or at least watch them through a window.
It is a surprisingly strict setup for such tiny pets.
Isn't this the cutest thing? Share your thoughts below.
Wait until you see the grossed-out boyfriend who flips over his girlfriend’s guinea pig poop freedom.
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