‘Be careful if you’re thinking of buying a pet pig’ warns Cambs animal charity as they rescue nine neglected pigs from appalling conditions

Wood Green, The Animals Charity. No such thing as 'teacup' pigs, says charity. (Image: Archant)

Wood Green Animal Shelter is urging animal lovers to think twice before buying into the idea of so-called micropigs.

The charity recently carried out a rescue mission to save nine neglected pigs – one of which has since had a further litter of three piglets.

All of them were malnourished, and some required treatment for mite infestation. It is believed the owner was convinced the animals were micropigs.

“When we arrived to collect the pigs you could only describe their condition as appalling,” said Marie Channer, of Wood Green.

Wood Green, The Animals Charity. No such thing as 'teacup' pigs, says charity. (Image: Archant)

“Some of them were literally skin and bone and they might not have survived much longer had we not received the call when we did.”

Marie believes websites listing such pigs as teacup or micropigs are giving people a false impression that this is a breed which will not grow very big and are therefore a good domestic indoor pet.

“The truth is, there is no such breed as a micropig,” she said.

“It is usually a cross breed and people can have no real idea of how big the animal will eventually grow. What we see a lot is that people deliberately breed the runt of the litter in the hope of having smaller pigs produced. It’s terrible.”

A total of six pigs are in need of a home and are being cared for at a site close to the Wood Green Godmanchester headquarters.

Ideally they need re-homing in pairs or small groups.

Marie said: “I would urge anyone who has been tempted by a website displaying micropigs or teacup pigs to seriously reconsider. If you want to talk to an expert about pig care, then please, call us before making a purchase you may live to regret.”