Pembrokeshire council allows couple to breed guinea pigs for eating

A couple has been given the go-ahead to breed guinea pigs on their land so that they can eat them as part of their drive to live sustainably.

Dave and Mayu Phillips sought permission to build an eco-friendly home to live off-grid in rural Pembrokeshire.

The plans include producing honey and walnuts, as well as raising a pair of breeding rabbits and three pairs of breeding guinea pigs, to produce meat for the household, along with a flock of 20 pigeons for eggs and meat.

Dave Phillips said the type of guinea pigs they intended to eat “were larger than the pet variety… similar to rabbits in terms of meat production”.

Pembrokeshire council’s planning committee backed the development.

Phillips grew up locally and the couple are keen to return to the area to continue the honey business established by his father, develop vegetable gardens and build a low-impact dwelling on the site, according to planning committee documents.