The guinea pig's owner has not followed Swedish regulations that the animals should have social contact in the form of other guinea pigs. The owner must therefore ensure that these needs are met as soon as possible – preferably through a guinea pig companion, writes Sydsvenskan.
We are really trying to encourage people to read up before getting animals of various kinds. Partly to understand them better, partly to be able to meet their needs. It does not take many minutes of reading to understand that guinea pigs are herd animals that thrive best in the company of others, says Paula Hultgren, head of the county administrative board's unit for companion animals to the newspaper.
The guinea pig's situation was highlighted through a tip and at another inspection the guinea pig still lived without companionship. The owner claimed that a previous guinea pig companion had been in the home but that "they just quarreled".
The explanation did not hold up to the county administrative board, which now demands action – otherwise the owner risks ultimately losing their animal or facing fines.
