HUNDREDS of unwanted pet miniature pigs are being sent to overrun animal sanctuaries.
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Big Ears Animal Sanctuary at Longford and Brightside Farm Sanctuary at Cygnet have received dozens of miniature pigs this year from owners unaware of the animal’s adult size and needs.
While small as juveniles, miniature pigs can grow to 90 kilograms.
Last Christmas, Brightside was forced to take in 32 miniature pigs taken from a Hobart hoarder, while Big Ears is waiting for a pig to be flown to Launceston from Flinders Island.
The sanctuaries have previously welcomed the rejected animals, but the demand has become so great that they have been forced to turn down pigs in need.
Big Ears owner Jacqui Steele and Brightside owner Emma Haswell believe breeders are the root of the problem.
Ms Haswell said some breeders were feeding misinformation to owners about the species’ needs, even telling owners to underfeed the animals to stunt their growth.
‘‘We can’t take in any more pigs,’’ Ms Haswell said.
‘‘There’s quite a few people breeding them in Tasmania, but they don’t tell buyers that they can live for 14 years and they will build mud baths in your backyard.
‘‘Breeders are even telling people to only feed them four Weet-Bix a day so they don’t grow – it’s appalling.’’
Mrs Steele said she receives a phone call a week from misguided miniature pig owners in suburban areas.
Council regulations state that miniature pigs are not to be kept on residential blocks.
‘‘People are trying to rehome pet miniature pigs, but the pigs they are giving away often end up on a spit,’’ she said.
‘‘Owners need to ask themselves if their property is big enough and whether they are willing to commit to an animal that can live for 14 years.’’