Why is it illegal to own one guinea pig in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a series of laws in place to protect animals but the most peculiar legislation is related to guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs are social creatures who need interaction with their species in order to be happy so the European country has made it illegal to own just one and considers it to be animal abuse.

The furry, hamster-like pets get very attached to their owners and partners so when something does happen to their cage-mate, Swiss guinea pig owners need to immediately find another to take its place.

More Info: nypost.com

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19 Comments

Deborah Gabriel

Good for the Swiss thinking of the guinea pig's happiness!

Raymond Cardona

We had Guinea pigs when our daughter was younger and we always had 2 at a time Bonnie

Iriss Blaine

You CAN own guinea pigs, but you are required to have two of them so they can interact socially with one another. I have two parrots instead of one for the same reason.

Shelley Welch Dunivan

As with most animals.

fdeisner

As I understand it guinea pigs from Peru, Ecuador and a few other South American countries are packing up and moving to Switzerland so they don't end up on a dinner plate.

sdance

I rescued 2 guinea pigs 5 yrs ago one died 2 years ago at the age of 6, I didnt get another but he lives in the house with me and my dog and is perfectly happy, 8 yrs old now and thriving.

Char

Char, my phone again missed that..it either adds letters or leaves them out? Or spaces then?

Char

Drvozxt, no worse than us

Char

I missed to hat but how nice a country that cares so much about animals. See you all it doesn't hurt to care

Cheryl Maxwell

Drvozxt, yesss, like humans do!!!

elizawheeler

I wanted one so badly when I was a child. But my ma swore she would have no "rat" in her house. They are adorable. And, BTW, rats are very smart and affectionate pets.