PENSACOLA — Six months ago, Florida wetland officials reported the abandonment of 15 miniature pigs on Avalon Boulevard to animal control. Since it was not a typical stray animal complaint, the officials called rescue organizations to capture the pigs. According to Animal Allies Florida volunteer Christal Ellerd, there were six pigs left when captured. Some had been killed by animals and the others had been shot.
"From those six we got an additional 17," Ellerd said. Some of the captured pigs were pregnant and gave birth.
The pigs are now socialized to humans, spayed or neutered, and are ready for adoption. The cost of adoption is $200 for one pig and $300 for two pigs. Anyone interested in taking a pig home should go to the Animal Allies Florida website http://www.ecaafl.org. Available there are adoption applications and links to the American Mini Pig Association.
Some of the pigs need to stay in groups or pairs because of the bond they have formed within their herd. Those pigs are reserved for people with enough land to accommodate the groups, according to Ellerd.
The adoption process is slow and thorough by design. It starts with the application, then an interview, and then the applicant meets the pigs. After that, there is a mandatory two-day wait before the final decision.
"We want to stop impulse buys," Ellerd said.
Ellerd said adopting a mini pig is like bringing home a newborn baby. She said pigs show emotions and cry tears when sad. Their intellect is comparable to a three-year-old child and they have the temperament of a toddler that never grows older — just bigger.
Prospective owners should have enough land to accommodate a rooting pig. Mini pigs have no sweat glands so they must have access to shade, water and mud to protect themselves from the heat. Ellerd said that new owners should check city regulations before adopting a pig as a pet. The United States Department of Agriculture categorizes pigs as livestock so many cities and counties have restrictions.
Ellerd said Animal Allies Florida is an organization that deals with animals that have no advocates, no voice.
“Everyone here is a volunteer — even the founder,” she said.
They will care for any type of animal in any condition. If they do not have the expertise in a certain type of animal, they will find someone who does and they work closely with local veterinarians.
Animal Allies Florida uses donations for all their work. The current need is for fencing to contain the pigs. To make a donation, call A-1 Fencing at 850-432-0921, or visit the Animal Allies Florida website at www.ecaafl.org.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: This little piggy wants to go to your home