Mini pigs as pets - experts warn against the trend
Mini pigs are often handed in to Sabine Bracker at the sanctuary near Ebstorf in the Lüneburg Heath. "It's unbelievable how many pigs live in solitary confinement as a substitute for dogs," reports the "pig protector". Pigs are sometimes there to be cuddled, but they are not cuddly animals. Many people don't even know that the cute little piglets are a lot of work in the long run.
Particular attention must be paid to hoof care and nutrition. "To keep the pigs small, some only feed them oatmeal and curd cheese, others simply give them leftovers," reports Bracker. As a result, many pigs come to her fatty and the malnutrition affects their joints and organs. "Mini pigs don't belong in private hands," she says.
Sometimes aggressive
Many owners give them away at the latest when they reach sexual maturity, when the small domestic pigs can also be aggressive: "On average, they last three years." A miniature pig must weigh less than 100 kilograms, the average shoulder height is 50 centimetres and the body length is just under one meter. Bracker cannot take them all in with her non-profit organization. She is also dependent on donations to keep the business running in Lower Saxony.
The veterinary office of the district of Lüneburg even speaks of a new trend towards mini pigs. However, the animals must be kept in a way that is appropriate for their species and guarantees protection against epidemics. They are subject to special animal welfare and animal disease regulations and must be registered. Outdoor and free-range housing must be reported due to possible animal diseases.
Do not walk pigs
"Pigs, even if they are small, are not cuddly animals. They cannot be kept in the same way as dogs or cats. They have completely different needs," says Jochen Gronholz, Head of Veterinary Services. You are not doing the animals any favors by keeping them indoors and walking them.
The expert is not only critical of the trend from an animal welfare perspective. Keeping pigs can also have an impact on the spread of epidemics such as African swine fever, Aujeszky's disease or foot-and-mouth disease.
Food waste is taboo
"Many people are not aware that we have to approve the keeping of pigs," says Gronholz. The small pigs can also transmit animal diseases. Special regulations apply to them with regard to medication. In the worst case scenario, they could spread a virus to large herds. For example, their runs must be double-fenced, even in the home garden. Another important rule: keepers should not feed pigs leftovers. Many outbreaks of swine fever can be traced back to this.
According to experts, minipigs are very docile animals. They have achieved remarkable results in studies. For example, Hungarian researchers reported that minipigs raised in families can solve tasks more independently than dogs. However, they should ideally be kept outside and always at least in pairs, as they are pack animals. A rented apartment in particular is not a suitable environment. Animal welfare organizations are generally critical of their keeping.
Despite the trend of keeping mini pigs as pets, animal experts warn against it due to the animals' specific needs and potential impact on epidemics. Many pet owners are unaware of the proper care and nutrition required for mini pigs, leading to issues like obesity and joint problems.
The local veterinary office in Lüneburg has noted a new trend towards mini pigs, emphasizing the importance of keeping them in conditions suitable for their species and ensuring protection against epidemics.
Source: www.dpa.com
