In Switzerland, Never One!

The Swiss are known for their historic commitment  to neutrality, but they’ve taken a firm stand on one of the most important issues of our time: guinea pigs.

Because guinea pigs are social creatures who grow lonesome without a friend, it’s illegal to own just one of them in Switzerland. The law was introduced in 2008 as part of a legislative effort to grant social rights to pets. Should one guinea pig depart this mortal coil and leave its companion alone — and its owner in potential legal trouble — rent-a-guinea-pig services have emerged as a temporary solution.

Guinea pigs aren’t the only pets afforded special status in Switzerland. Goldfish are also prohibited from being kept alone, cats must at least have access to a window where they can see their fellow felines prowling around, and, for a time, dog owners were required to take an obligatory training course with their pooch (although that law was repealed  in 2016). For all this, Switzerland doesn’t have an official national animal  — though both the country and the Alps in general are strongly associated with cows and St. Bernards.

Touching, for sure! A great way to start our week!