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Rehomed pig delivers surprise for new owners
Pifgs
Charlotte gave birth to a litter of seven pigs.

Crossbreed Charlotte gives birth to seven piglets 

A pig which was rescued and re-homed after she was discovered roaming the fields of Middlesborough, has surprised her new owners by giving birth to seven piglets.

Charlotte, a small crossbreed, was found by RSPCA officers earlier this year following reports of a 'mysterious, dark beast' wandering around countryside.

After a member of the public confirmed seeing a small black pig, RSPCA officers attended, but Charlotte had already vanished.

Finally, after another caller reported that a pig was in his garden, deputy chief inspector John Lawson attended the property and collected the animal.

Inspector Lawson said: “Charlotte was very friendly so we were sure she had been somebody’s pet previously. After we took her to a boarding farm to be cared for, nobody came forward to claim her, so we found a lovely new home where she settled in quickly.

“She proved difficult to catch, maybe because she felt particularly vulnerable due to her pregnant state, although we did not realise this at the time.

“The new owners said Charlotte settled in straight away; they even discovered she likes to play with a football. But they became concerned recently when they noticed her teats had become enlarged.

“We are delighted to hear that she is not only well, but that she has had a healthy litter of piglets. We will be keeping in touch with the new owners and look forward to hearing about her progress.” 

Image (C) RSPCA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.