Myth of the micro pig causing local charity to overflow

A local charity is struggling for space as families continue to send their ‘micro pigs’ to the rescue centre, after failing to realise how big they can actually grow.

Pig Inn Heaven, located at Sladenwood Stables, Littleborough, has been rescuing and rehoming the myth of ‘micro pigs’ for eight years, as well as rescuing terrapins and turtles, whose demand is also high in people’s search for small pets.

The charity currently has 62 pigs at the sanctuary who are looking to be rehomed or are in the permanent care of the rescue centre.

 

 

Janet Devereux, founder of Pig Inn Heaven, said: “We don’t take on every pig that is brought to our attention; it always depends on the situation. We’ve had people contact us before who have said they don’t want their pig because they’re moving to a new house, and, for me, I think you should always take an animal like this into consideration first.

“We see ourselves as a hotel for the pigs that are passing through to be rehomed, but also as a care home for those animals that need more permanent care.

“Pigs are incredibly intelligent and loving animals, but sometimes we get the odd one who can’t mix well with others and can’t be rehomed.

“No animal is released from our care until a full house and environment check has been carried out with our rehoming tick list, so we know the pigs will be going into a caring and safe environment with enough space.

“Some of the pigs we have rescued have been from one-bedroom flats, where there is little to no space for them to live.

“Most who buy ‘micro pigs’ are told that they might grow to the size of a Labrador – to me, Labradors are big – but pigs are much heavier, wider, longer and a lot stronger.

“They will destroy your house.”

 

 

Micro pigs became a popular trend in 2009 when celebrities such as Paris Hilton showcased the tea-cup size animal in her handbag, and families like the Beckham’s who bought ‘teacup’ pigs for Christmas. The most recent is singer Ariana Grande, who got her pet pig ‘Piggy Smalls’ in 2018.

Ms Devereux added: “Everyone follows celebrities, so we just knew there was going to be a high demand of unwanted pigs eventually and we were right.

“We opened the sanctuary in 2011 and within the first month, we had over 25 calls from people who wanted us to take their pigs off their hands. We’ve had up to 80 pigs at one time in the past.

“People need to really think and research before they purchase a micro pig. There is no such word; a micro pig is just a baby pig that then grows into a full-sized adult pig within three years.

“Part of your research can be coming to our Pig Inn Heaven sanctuary and seeing how big these animals really grow.”

Last year, Pig Inn Heaven rescued 20 pigs and 17 of these were re-homed.

To donate, sponsor an animal or to learn more about Pig Inn Heaven visit:

• www.piginnheaven.co.uk

Katie Davies