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BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhuanet) -- "Teacup" pigs will stop growing by eating specially made feed to stay at an adorable size, at least its sellers say so.
Eva Monroy bought a mini pig and fed it what the seller instructed: a half-cup of food in the morning and a half-cup at night. The seller promised the diet would keep him a mere 12 inches tall.
But when the piglet named Hammond grew to 20 inches and 180 pounds, "my husband couldn't handle it any more. 'Either the pig goes or I go,'" said Monroy, of El Monte, California.
According to local media reports on Friday, it's a common story across America, leaving thousands of pet pigs homeless and rescues packed. Many sanctuaries have to limit how many pigs they will accept or stop taking them completely.
Their unclear identity also put "teacup" pigs in awkward situation: Some veterinarians won't treat them because they consider them farm animals. Many cities and counties do not allow pigs on property not zoned for livestock, but that doesn't stop many pet owners.
The craze for tiny pet pigs started decades ago and gets reignited every few years.
Breeders say pet pigs can stay tiny because they're learning to eat less, But when pigs grow larger than expected, it can lead to heartrending decisions.
(Agencies)
