Pot-bellied pigs, sometimes called mini-pigs or teacup pigs, are a popular “fad pet” often purchased by people based on misconceptions about their size and needs. Humane societies and animal sanctuaries, including SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary, are constantly contacted by people trying to re-home their pot-bellied pigs after they’ve grown too large for their caretaker’s comfort.

According to one estimate, as many as 90% of pot-bellied pigs purchased as pets are later given to sanctuaries and rescues.

Despite claims from breeders and online communities, adult pot-bellied pigs can weigh between 100-300 pounds and have a lifespan similar to that of dogs and cats, with some living as long as 20 years.

Pot-bellied pigs, including so-called therapy pigs, are illegal in many communities and require unique, and sometimes costly, veterinary care that many local veterinarians aren’t able to provide.

Additionally, pot-bellied pigs are intelligent and social animals who require companionship with other pigs and lots of outdoor space and enrichment that many people can’t provide.

Currently, SASHA is home to about 20 pot-bellied pigs who live communally, have space to roam, explore and root, huts to sleep in, straw to nest in, and toys to play with. Sadly, in many instances, pet pot-bellied pigs are not able to engage in these natural behaviors that are so meaningful and enriching to them and instead suffer from boredom and depression.

Unfortunately, there are few resources available for the pot-bellied pigs whose owners, for whatever reason, can no longer care for them. Many humane societies and animal control agencies consider pot-bellied pigs livestock and therefore will not accept relinquished pigs. This means that the sanctuaries, humane societies, and animal control agencies who respond to requests for assistance for pot-bellies are often overwhelmed by requests for help. And many sanctuaries, including SASHA, quickly reach their capacity and are no longer able to accept new pot-bellied pigs.

Because of the misconceptions about the size and needs of pot-bellied pigs, deceptive practices by breeders and lack of assistance and resources for pot-bellied pig owners, many pot-bellied pigs are neglected, abandoned and abused when they’re forced to live with owners who no longer want them.

In Macon, Georgia, a pot-bellied pig who was advertised as a pet on Craigslist was tortured by men with a pickax, polls, and rifles who were planning on killing and eating the animal. In Corpus Christi, Texas, an abandoned pot-bellied pig was set on fire and found with wounds across her body at a local convenience store.

Pot-bellied pigs are complex, intelligent animals who likely suffer in the sterile environment of people’s homes without the companionship of other pigs and the ability to engage in their natural behaviors and activities. The majority of pot-bellied pigs purchased as pets are later sent to sanctuaries or are neglected and abandoned as their size and unique care requirements become too much for their owners.

Instead of purchasing a pot-bellied pig as a pet, consider sponsoring one at SASHA. Your sponsorship helps us to feed and provide for the animals in our care for their entire lives.

Check out our latest newsletter here!

In this newsletter, you’ll find our eulogy for Izzy, a recap of SASHA’s appearance on CW50’s Street Beat,  our Volunteer Spotlight on Katie Eory, a profile of one family’s love of Bhima and details about the Spring Social and other upcoming events.

To subscribe to future newsletters, please email info@sashafarm.org.

Most animals who come to live at SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary have not had an easy life.  Equines have come with sway backs and overgrown hooves.  Pigs have come overweight to the point they cannot walk.  We have welcomed run-away cows, and goats with sawed-off horns.  They all come with no trust of people and it can take years for these animals to trust us.

Izzy was no different.  Izzy came from a puppy mill in northern Michigan.  As a Great Pyrenees, she was constantly bred in horrific conditions for her “financially lucrative” pups.  Never given a break and kept in a small, dirty cage, she was bred, delivered puppies, had them taken from her too soon, bred again, and again, and again.

Izzy was approximately four years of age when she was rescued and came to live at SASHA Farm.  She received immediate medical care and lots of love.  Unfortunately, one of her eyes had to be removed due to the lack of medical care she received while at the puppy mill.  Her suffering was officially gone because we were not going to let her be trapped or bred again.  Izzy’s happiness while running and playing in the large pastures at SASHA Farm made everyone smile.

In no time, Izzy became the guardian of the gate at SASHA Farm.  Her instincts blossomed and she was protector of the sheep, goats, and people – whether they wanted it or not.  She loved any toy she was given.  Sometimes she loved toys by destroying them.  Sometimes she loved toys by tossing them in the air and pouncing on them.  Her mood dictated how the toy would be loved.

After her position as “Gate Guardian” was secure, she expanded her farm role to include “Produce Taster”, “Play Police”, and “The Paw”.   Izzy made sure the produce being fed to all the residents was fresh and delicious.  When other animals played, she stood watch until she decided that they had played long enough.  “The Paw” was Izzy’s signature move.  Simply put, Izzy told everyone when they were allowed to stop petting her.  If someone stopped prematurely, that person got “The Paw”.

Time crept on and Izzy began having difficulty walking and breathing.  Last week, Izzy passed away, surrounded by those who loved her.  She is now at the Rainbow Bridge and she is joined there by some of her pups.  She gets to spend time with them and play without the confines of a dirty cage.

We love you and miss you, Izzy.  You are now the Gate Guardian at the Rainbow Bridge.  Do what you do best – protect, love, and play.