Portia was also born on 2nd September 2018, on a different type of pig farm than most people might imagine - one that breeds so-called "miniature" pigs. Not much research was undertaken into the reality of living with a pig prior to Portia's purchase - although she was very well cared for and loved, her family did not check whether their council allowed people to keep pigs (they don't, many do not), their neighbours started threatening to harm the pig, and their dogs were causing her some stress.

Portia is indeed a smaller breed of pig than those used in commercial piggeries, but there are no true miniature pigs in Australia - she will still likely grow to 150kg. We are regularly asked to take in pigs purchased on impulse - and we want to take this moment to stress once again that a pig, like any companion animal, is a commitment for their lifetime. Living arrangements may change, work commitments may change, you may have health issues, these things are a part of life and somewhat unavoidable.  Animals in our care rely on us - if you do not have reliable back up arrangements in place, please think twice before taking on any animal, especially a pig.
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You can sponsor Portia and her friends below.