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Harnesses

Black piggies

Black piggies

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Not sure this is in the right section, I'm putting it under health.
I visited my local garden centre and just next to the cages of baby guinea pigs, they were selling guinea pig leads / harnesses with a photo of a guinea pig on the packaging. This really gives the impression that they're OK.
I'm going to speak to them about it, but wondered whether there's any formal RSPCA or Vet Association guidance I could give them, to beef up my request they stop selling the harnesses on health grounds?
Thanks.
 
Black piggies said:
Not sure this is in the right section, I'm putting it under health.
I visited my local garden centre and just next to the cages of baby guinea pigs, they were selling guinea pig leads / harnesses with a photo of a guinea pig on the packaging. This really gives the impression that they're OK.
I'm going to speak to them about it, but wondered whether there's any formal RSPCA or Vet Association guidance I could give them, to beef up my request they stop selling the harnesses on health grounds?
Thanks.
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Hi!

Have you googled for any information?

Unfortunately, pet shops continue to sell those harnesses (and have done so for well over a decade) despite being well aware that they can cause serious injury or even euthanasia in guinea pigs. :(
 
Thanks. I couldn't find anything with a quick google. Maybe the garden centre will be decent about it anyway.
 
Good luck!

Unfortunately, when it comes to making money and putting the welfare commitment in the official policy into practice, money does win out pretty much every time. Including using ferret harnesses for guinea pigs. We have listed them in the dangerous toys and accessories thread - years ago. :(
 
I had a word with a lady in Pets Corner about harnesses for guinea pigs when I saw them on sale. She said that she was unaware that they were dangerous as "surely they wouldn't sell anything unsafe" I said something about the spines on guinea pigs being very delicate and if they were startled they could easily do serious damage to themselves. She said that when the Manager was in she would have a word with him about it as she was concerned and didn't want any animal to come to any harm. Next time I went in they were off sale in that particular branch.
 
I wish you every success! I think these harnesses should be completely banned, I see them in eBay too. They also have them for rabbits. I shudder to think what would happen if they were made to walk past a dog on a lead 😱
 
Yes indeed. I sometimes leave reviews online about the harnesses being dangerous. Surely eventually they will be banned.
 
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