We call on the government to introduce legislation preventing pet shops and breeders from rehoming social animals, such as guinea pigs or rabbits, without a suitable companion. Owners must keep these species in compatible pairs or groups, with exceptions only for bereavement or planned re-pairing.

Guinea pigs and other social species need companionship to express natural behaviours and avoid stress or loneliness. In countries like Switzerland and Austria, keeping them alone is illegal. We should follow this example to uphold animal welfare standards and stop the sale of solitary animals. Limited exceptions could apply when an animal is adopted as a companion replacement or where the adopter commits to pairing within a set time frame.