Street-smart pigs can’t live high on the hog

Pilbara pigs have been known to show precious little respect for the law.

It started in 2013 when porky bogan Swino earned worldwide fame by surprising campers to steal a six-pack of tinnies at the De Grey River rest area.

Next Karratha’s Sergeant Porky became fed up with life in the Pilbara and sought out a new home in Perth with assistance from animal welfare group Saving Animals from Euthanasia.

Then last month Peppa the pig fancied a day at the shops and wandered local streets until he ran into the patrolling police.

While some may feel sympathy for the pioneering pigs, Mayor Kelly Howlett has reminded residents that pigs do not enjoy free passage on local streets.

She said under local laws Port and South Hedland residents can only keep pigs if they have council approval.

“There are restrictions in the local law that … are applied when residents do seek council approval (to keep pigs), ” she said.

These can include ensuring the owner’s property and the pig’s stall are appropriately sized and that the pig cannot approach within 30m of a dwelling, Ms Howlett said.

“These local laws (Keeping of Large Animals) are under review and the keeping of miniature pigs may be allowed in future local laws, if approved by council, ” she said.

“However this is not the case at present.”

For more information on keeping pigs and other farm animals, such as chooks, roosters and goats, call the Town on 9159 9352.