Dave Phillips and his wife, Mayu, have received permission from Pembrokeshire County Council to breed and slaughter guinea pigs for food on their off-grid eco-farm near Tenby, South Wales. The couple plans to raise three breeding pairs of guinea pigs, which Phillips described as 'larger than the pet variety … similar to rabbits in terms of meat production.' They will also cultivate vegetable gardens and raise rabbits and pigeons.
Planning approval and financial projections
The planning committee unanimously backed conditional approval of the scheme, which is expected to generate £14,000 by its fifth year. Phillips, who will continue his father's honey business, emphasized the need for sustainable living: '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.'
Legal and welfare considerations
Under UK law, no licence is required to slaughter guinea pigs as long as they are owned and killed on the owner's property. However, strict rules apply to stunning and killing to avoid unnecessary suffering. The couple must ensure humane treatment during slaughter.
Public backlash and petition
Despite the legality, the plan has sparked opposition. A petition launched by the Herbivore Club garnered hundreds of signatures within a day. The group stated: '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 Herbivore Club 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 in Wales.
Cultural context of guinea pig consumption
Guinea pigs are a traditional delicacy in South America, particularly in the Andes, where they have been domesticated for thousands of years. Their meat is described as mildly gamey, stronger than chicken but not overpowering. In 16th-century England, they may have been kept by Queen Elizabeth I as status symbols. The origin of the name 'guinea pig' remains uncertain; theories include that they sold for one guinea or arose from trade route confusion, though they are neither from Guinea nor pigs.
