
According to Swiss legislation, social animals like guinea pigs and goldfish have to be raised with companions because they can get lonely.
While there are many laws to combat animal cruelty, Switzerland is the first country to recognize that animals have ‘social rights’ that need to be honoured.
The country passed a law in 2008, making it illegal to own just one guinea pig at a time because a cavy being a social animal moves around in herds and can get awfully lonely if left without a companion.
Earlier this year, RSPCA’s rabbit and rodent expert, Dr Jane Tyson said: “Guinea pigs can make fantastic pets but like all animals they have very complex needs and should never be the sole responsibility of a child.”
“Sadly, one of the issues we see is that some guinea pigs are still kept in small cages with little chance for exercise or human contact, and possibly more importantly no contact with other guinea pigs.
“Guinea pigs are sociable, active animals. They need to live with at least one other friendly guinea pig and benefit from enrichment so it’s important to give them a large space where they can play and explore together,” she added in a statement released on Guinea Pig Appreciation Day (July 16).
Since it is likely that one guinea pig will outlive the other, owners are allowed to rent-a-guinea-pig till their pet is alive so as to not get trapped in a never-ending cycle of guinea pig purchasing.
Swiss animal protection laws
Switzerland has enforced many similar laws to safeguard animal rights in the past. For example, one Swiss law mandates that a goldfish cannot be kept alone in its tank as goldfish swim in shoals in the wild.
Similarly, birds such as Japanese quails, macaws, cockatoos, parakeets, parrots, canaries, and lovebirds need to have at least one companion or must be allowed to interact with other birds on a regular basis.
Although owners are allowed to keep one cat, these pets must be able to see other cats through the window or socialize with their type in their vicinities.
What do you think of Switzerland’s animal welfare policies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
What is a vegan shampoo? And 11 fantastic brands to try
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 27th January 2023
Do you know which ingredients make your shampoo non-vegan? The cosmetic industry has gone through a radical shift in the last few years as more consumers become aware of the impact their purchases make. As a result, the demand for vegan hair care products has soared. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients in …
Continue reading “What is a vegan shampoo? And 11 fantastic brands to try”
Dietitians claim plant-based diet can stunt growth of infants
- Mohsina Dodhiya
- 18th January 2023
The NHS Start for Life website has added information about vegan and vegetarian babies. Nutritionists and dietitians have raised concerns about the health implications of vegan diets for babies following the publication of the NHS’s vegan infant nutrition guide. The NHS Start for Life website, which provides guidance for new parents, has added a new …
Continue reading “Dietitians claim plant-based diet can stunt growth of infants”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …
Continue reading “QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert”
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a …
Continue reading “QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?”
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God Marlon Farrugia Marlon Farrugia is a freelance writer from Brighton. He has been a dedicated vegan for many years, and …