Dave Phillips and his wife Mayu have received planning permission from Pembrokeshire County Council to raise three breeding pairs of guinea pigs on their off-grid eco-farm near Tenby, with the intention of slaughtering the offspring for food. The couple, who plan to live sustainably, argued that the guinea pigs they would eat are larger than typical pet varieties, comparable to rabbits in meat production.
Planning approval and sustainability goals
At a planning committee meeting, Phillips stated: 'Humanity is living as if we have several more planet earths…we can all play our part, living sustainably and Pembrokeshire county council can play its part.' The application also includes vegetable gardens and raising rabbits and pigeons for food. Council members unanimously backed conditional approval, with the project expected to generate £14,000 by its fifth year.
Legal framework and slaughter rules
The couple will not require a licence to slaughter the rodents as long as they own them and kill them on their property. However, strict rules apply regarding stunning and killing to avoid causing unnecessary suffering, as it is illegal to cause an animal unnecessary suffering during slaughter. Phillips intends to continue his father's honey business to generate income on the eco-farm.
Petition and opposition
Despite the legality of eating guinea pigs at home, the couple faces opposition. A petition garnered hundreds of signatures within a day of being set up. The Herbivore Club issued a statement saying: 'Pembrokeshire County Council has reportedly approved a One Planet Development near Jeffreyston which includes breeding guinea pigs to be killed and eaten. Across Wales and the rest of the UK, guinea pigs are cared for, named, loved and grieved when they die. They should not be approved as a meat source under a planning scheme.' The group called on the council to reject the use of guinea pigs and urged the Welsh Government to ban breeding, killing, sale, and consumption of guinea pigs for food.
Cultural context
Guinea pigs are a delicacy in South America, with a mildly gamey flavour stronger than chicken but not overpowering. Originating in the Andes, they have been domesticated for thousands of years. Historical sources suggest Elizabeth I may have kept guinea pigs, making them a status symbol among the upper classes. The origin of the name 'guinea pig' is uncertain; one theory is they sold for one guinea in 16th-century England, another involves confusion over trade routes, but they are neither from Guinea nor pigs.
