AN OFF-the-grid couple have been granted permission to breed guinea pigs “the size of rabbits” on their land for food.
Dave and Mayu Phillips said the plan is part of their goal to eat and live sustainably at their household in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
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Dave Phillips and his partner have been granted permission to breed guinea pigs on their land for food
As well as the rodents, the couple will also be breeding rabbits and pigeons for eggs and meat Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The council has backed the development, which will include a pair of breeding rabbits, three pairs of breeding guinea pigs, and a flock of 20 pigeons.
At a planning committee meeting, Dave said: “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 site is located near to the village of Jeffreyston, close to other tourist hot spots like Tenby and Saundersfoot.
Dave said that the guinea pigs they planned to eat “were larger than the pet variety … similar to rabbits in terms of meat production”.
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Alongside the rodents, the couple will also be raising a pair of breeding rabbits to produce meat for their household.
They will also be raising almost two dozen pigeons for their eggs and meat.
Dave grew up locally and wanted to return to Pembrokeshire with his partner to continue the honey business his father created.
As well as this, he wanted to develop vegetable gardens and build a low-impact residence.
With the planning permission in place, the couple will now be able to breed and slaughter guinea pigs on their land.
The couple referenced the One Planet Development policy in Wales while sending their development application plans to Pembrokeshire council.
The One Planet Development scheme encourages developments to meet low-impact lifestyles, with occupants required to live and work sustainably off the land.
Council members unanimously backed conditional approval of the scheme.
Although uncommon, it is not illegal to eat guinea pigs in the UK.
It is however illegal to cause an animal unnecessary suffering while slaughtering them.
Dave and Mayu would not need a licence to kill the guinea pigs they breed as long as it is done on their property.
They must also kill the pets for themselves and their immediate family members to eat only.
