To Prime Minister Malcom Turnball,
Guinea pigs are very social animals, that can die from loneliness
if kept alone. It is not unusual for guinea pigs to fret if kept alone, but even if
not fretting, they may be feeling deeply distressed from loneliness. I do feel
that keeping a guinea pig alone is neglectful and quite
cruel, due to their social needs.
Guinea Pigs are happier, if kept in pairs or a group. I feel that the act of
keeping single guinea pigs in a cage on their own,
without another guinea
pig in their cage, or extremely close to their cage, ought to be illegal.
Guinea pig owners in Australia could be legally given a maximum of one
month to find a new guinea pig friend after one guinea pig out of the pair
dies.
Australia could have online guinea pig dating sites to help guinea pig
owners find a suitable guinea pig companion for their guinea pig.
Please make keeping single guinea pigs illegal.
Guinea pigs who do not get along with another guinea pig can be kept in a
separate cage, close to a cage containing at least one other guinea pig, so
that they can see each other.
Sweden has a law similar to this about guinea pigs, and I think it would be a
good idea for Australia follow Sweden's guinea pig keeping law in this area.
I strongly feel that humanity needs to improve their care of
domestic animals in some areas, to show progress.
Mr Turnaball, take action to improve guinea pig rights by making it illegal to
keep guinea pigs alone for very prolonged periods.
Sincerely, Ms Emily Barton
