Did you know that pigs are one of the most intelligent animals you'll find? They are as smart as the average three year old child.
And if you ask Jane Scott, owner of Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary, she will tell you they are just as lively, messy, and full-on. But they are just as rewarding too, writes Sammy Jones.
After having her own pet pigs, and realising just how wonderful they are, Curly Tails Pig Sanctuary was born, in a green part of Milton Keynes.
Jane doesn't just care for the beautiful beasts in her back garden, she also works to share her knowledge with others; Curly Tails is a respected learning, education and wellbeing centre.
Many of the perfect piggies in her care today have sad stories; of neglect, of abandonment and some have been mistreated.
“All the pigs have stories,” Jane says, “Eric and Ernie were bought as toys for children, but as they got bigger, the kids lost interest and they were neglected. They were then on a short timeline before they were shot – they were seen as disposable items and we had a very short time in which to rescue them. And there are others with similar stories.”
Remember the whole 'micro pig' craze from a few years ago? Curly Tails is now among those dealing with the fall out – portly pigs!
When fully grown, so-called 'micro pigs' can weigh a whopping 24 stone, whereas regular pigs can reach 40 stone in weight. Hardly the porcine equivalent of a lap cat!
Furthermore, how big your 'micro pig' will be isn't something that can be assessed by a breeder – it's in the genes. It's also worth remembering that even if the piggy doesn't grow much bigger than a large dog, they are 10 times as strong, wilful and mischievous. So you see, they really don't make ideal pets unless you are extremely experienced, willing to work hard to look after them, and can afford them the space they need. And don't forget veterinary care and food bills...
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The Newton Longville based sanctuary has six acres of land to house its trotters, and for those at the helm, the work is as hard as it is rewarding: “It's a very physical job, which keeps me fit and active,” Jane says.
Lifting heavy bales and shifting bags of pigs nuts is all in a days work – along with feeding, watering, re-bedding, carrying our repairs and maintenance. They also invite educational visits and school trips.
“...it's a full time job, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.”
Curly Tails is a so-called 'last chance saloon' and all residents had nowhere else to go. Euthanasia would have been the only other option.
Curly Tails operates to a strict criteria, and can't possibly take every piggy they are offered, or the sanctuary would already have several hundred of them in their care, instead of the 40 or so current residents.
Sadly, pigs have a bad press. These beautiful animals aren't food, they are friends.
“If people consider pigs to be just bacon, I would suggest they visit us after lockdown, and meet the animals at the sanctuary. They are so genetically close to us, engaging and full of mischief.
“They have huge personalities and live in harmony with the dogs here,” she said.
“They can be taught to sit, roll over for a belly rub, come back to the call, lift a trotter to ask for something...the list is endless.
“The sanctuary is here for visitors to make their own bonds and connections and decide for themselves about the animals through information, meeting them and being given impartial information.”
The future of Curly Tails is, like all charities, dependant on the pennies in the piggy bank – and you can help with donations, by sponsoring a pig, or getting creative with a fundraiser.
All cash goes towards the care of the snouty sorts, and to help with the finance of new pens and houses so they can rescue more pigs.
Jane knows that to reach potential they need funding beyond their own efforts, and full-time staff. A patron is the obvious, and necessary, next step.
Jane added: “I hope that the sanctuary can grow and that the learning, education and wellbeing aspect of the sanctuary continues to blossom and works in harmony with our porcine rescue effort, and our programme of social, emotional and physical recovery for these wonderful animals.”
For more information on how you can help, or to sponsor one of the resident piggies, stick your snout here: https://curlytails.org/
