The Cutest Law Ever
Switzerland, you're doing things the right way.
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In Switzerland, it’s illegal to buy just one guinea pig because they get too lonely.
An animal rights law introduced in 2008 made this a criminal offense. The law was developed to grant “social rights” to pets who might get lonely.
Guinea pigs are herd animals, so having a pal (or several) improves their quality of life. Plus, how cute is it to see two little guinea pigs next to each other, having a good time?
Of course, there’s something morbid to consider: If one guinea pig dies and the other is still rocking and rolling, the owner is theoretically breaking the law.
But let’s say the two guinea pigs were fairly similar in age—rather than buying a new guinea pig and potentially going down this same path in a few months, an owner can rent a guinea pig instead. There are companies that offer this very service.
You might also get lucky and have your guinea pigs get lucky with each other, resulting in a whole swath of babies and the most exciting party on this side of the Atlantic.
Guinea pigs aren’t the only pets that fall under these “social rights” laws. Goldfish have to share a tank with at least one other fish (no Finding Nemo situations here). And parrots have to live with another bird or at least regularly socialize with them. I wonder what they talk about…
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