Who has room for mini pigs?

In the Giessen region, small emergencies end up at the veterinary office. The district is now looking for a new home for eleven piglets.

Giessen – Unusual animals are looking for a new place to launch in the Giessen area: The veterinary office is looking for a new home for eleven piglets. The piglets were rescued from poor breeding with “serious defects,” according to a statement from the district. The region initially does not provide any more precise information about its origin.

After being rescued, the pigs ended up at the Justus Liebig University Animal Clinic, where they were examined, cared for and castrated for the first time. Now the question arises: what to do with cute animals?

Difficult mediation in the Giessen region: Little pigs are not “small” at all

Mediation is demanding. “It is not possible to place pets such as dogs or cats in animal shelters due to special requirements for raising mini pigs,” the district wrote. Because pigs, despite their small size, “need at least the same conditions as their larger counterparts.”

Because the term “mini” can be misleading: depending on the breed, mini pigs weigh up to 60kg and can have a back height of up to 60cm. In addition, it cannot be taught individually. “It is not possible to keep individual animals, especially in an apartment,” explains the doctor. Mike Klein from the Giessen District Veterinary Office. Mini pigs are social animals that need “a group with a solid social structure, as well as sufficient stable space with the opportunity to root out, wallow and explore.”

Searching for new owners for piglets in the Giessen area

Under ideal conditions, pigs find floors with various structures, including hard floors for feeding and for wearing claws. They also need space to be kept in a species-appropriate manner: their running frequency must be at least ten square meters per animal. In addition – as is common in pig farming – double fencing is necessary to reduce contact with wild boar and the associated risk of diseases such as swine fever. “The important thing is that piglets are not just pets. But if you are interested, have a suitable place and have perfect knowledge of breeding, you can contact us,” says Dr. Mike Klein.

If you want a suitable place and can offer the animals a suitable place, you can contact the Veterinary Medicine and Consumer Protection Service on 0641 9390-6200 or at the email address [email protected]. (SBR/PM)