SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
It’s a big responsibility, but those with the right amount of space on their property – and in their hearts – are encouraged to head down to Swannanoa on Friday and Saturday, June 28 and 29, for Asheville Humane Society’s “Pigapalooza.” From 12-6 p.m. each day, Asheville Humane will be waiving adoption fees for those who adopt a pig – or two – from the Buncombe County Farm at 61 Clover Lane in Swannanoa.
The nonprofit says it has more than 20 “deeply deserving pigs” in its care looking for a second chance with the right family.
According to the event’s website, a good pig owner will:
- Live in a house or on a farm with a fenced in piece of land that allows pigs to engage in normal pig behavior, like rooting
- Take into consideration the cost of pig care such as tusk and hoof trimming
- Make sure that pigs are not making more baby pigs (all male pigs adopted from AHS have been neutered)
Rooting is a natural behavior in pigs where they push or nudge into something repeatedly, like digging in the dirt. According to the American Mini Pig Association, pigs will root for a number of reasons, usually for comfort, communicating, to cool off or in order to search for food. This is one of the reasons pigs need plenty of space in their environment.
‘Pot Belly Pig Epidemic’
Farm manager Don Collins has worked with the Buncombe County Farm for 10 years, helping take in animals from bad circumstances. He says the farm, which is owned by the county and partners with Asheville Humane Society, has taken in all sorts of large animals over the years from seizures done by the sheriff’s office and animal control, including emus, llamas and more.
Collins says often people don’t understand the responsibility that comes with owning a larger animal – this is especially true for small pigs that turn into large hogs.
“So many people breeding them fall in love with them when they’re little,” he says, adding that owners don’t always prepare for just how big they’ll grow or how much attention and care they’ll need. He calls this the “pot belly pig epidemic.”
He offers some advice for any prospective pig owners: prepare for the realities of ownership, don’t just focus on how cute they are when they’re little.
“Know what you’re getting into,” Collins says. “Your compassion for them overloads your ability to care for them.”
Counselors with Asheville Humane Society will be approving adoptions and all new owners will need to provide their own pig transportation.
CLICK HERE for more details about the event.