Switzerland has a series of laws in place to protect animals but the most peculiar legislation is related to guinea pigs — and why it’s illegal to own just one, reports said.
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, ZME Science reported.
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, the outlet said.
Priska Küng, who runs a sort of matchmaking agency for lonely guinea pigs, is often called in to help.
“They hardly ever die at the same time, even if they are exactly the same age, people who don’t want a new guinea pig and lose one of their two animals need an interim solution,” Küng explained to the outlet, which called her service “high demand.”
Even though guinea pigs are loath to be alone, they’re a bit picky when it comes to friends, Küng said.
“A young animal can annoy a four or five-year-old guinea pig by being too temperamental and active,” the guinea pig cupid said.
But she added the opposite could also be true — Küng has matched guinea pigs grandpas who were revitalized by a younger friend.
Aside from Switzerland’s strict guinea pig rules, they also have a series of other animal rights legislation in place, the outlet said.
For example, dog owners have to take a class that instructs them how to properly care for their pups, their variety of needs and how to handle behavioral situations when they arise before they’re allowed to adopt.
Fishermen are also required to take a course on humane fishing before they’re allowed to start angling.