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  "path": "/news/wales-news-couple-breed-guinea-pigs-food-off-grid-lifestyle",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-02T01:40:52.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Florida woman who was torn apart by alligator as boyfriend tried to save her is named for first time",
    "Swimmer dies after being ripped limb-from-limb by alligator in blood-curdling attack in front of friends",
    "Big Brother star mauled by XL bully and left 'scarred for life' after horror attack",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA couple hoping to live off the land in rural Wales have won council approval to breed guinea pigs for food as part of their off-grid lifestyle.\n\nDave Phillips and his wife, Mayu, were granted planning permission by Pembrokeshire County Council to keep three breeding pairs of guinea pigs for household meat production.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nCouncillors unanimously approved the plans, subject to conditions.\n\nThe guinea pigs the couple intend to rear for food are described as being \"larger than the pet variety\".\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nMr Phillips told councillors the animals were \"similar to rabbits in terms of meat production\".\n\nThe couple also plan to keep 20 pigeons and a breeding pair of rabbits to provide meat for their family.\n\nTheir proposals include building an environmentally friendly home alongside vegetable gardens on land near Jeffreyston, close to the popular holiday destinations of Tenby and Saundersfoot.\n\nMr Phillips, who grew up locally, also intends to continue a beekeeping business established by his father on land the family has owned for the past 20 years.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe development is being pursued under the Welsh Government's One Planet Development policy, which encourages people to meet the majority of their food, energy and income needs from the land they occupy.\n\nAddressing the planning committee, Mr Phillips 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.\"\n\nWhile around 700,000 guinea pigs are kept as pets across the UK, according to UK Pet Food, eating the animals is legal.\n\nUnder current rules, the couple will not require a slaughter licence provided they own the animals, kill them on their own land and consume the meat themselves or with immediate family living at the property.\n\n### ANIMALS - READ THE LATEST:\n\n\n\n\n  * Florida woman who was torn apart by alligator as boyfriend tried to save her is named for first time\n  * Swimmer dies after being ripped limb-from-limb by alligator in blood-curdling attack in front of friends\n  * Big Brother star mauled by XL bully and left 'scarred for life' after horror attack\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidance states animals must be slaughtered humanely, with unnecessary suffering remaining a criminal offence.\n\nAnyone who breaches those welfare requirements could face prosecution.\n\nAlthough uncommon on plates in Britain, guinea pig is widely eaten in parts of South America, where it is regarded as a traditional delicacy.\n\nHistorical evidence suggests the rodents have been raised for food in the Andes mountains as early 5000BC.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIndigenous civilisations including the Incas used them not only as a food source but also in religious ceremonies and cultural rituals.\n\nIn Peru, the animal is known as \"cuy\" and remains deeply embedded in the country's traditions and festivals.\n\nAn estimated 65 million guinea pigs are eaten in Peru every year.\n\nThe animals are also commonly consumed in parts of Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, particularly in rural and highland communities.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Couple given green light to breed guinea pigs for food to sustain off-grid lifestyle in Wales"
}