As the numbers of unwanted pets grew…so did our sanctuary and in 1995 we became a nonprofit sanctuary. Unfortunately the pig costumes for kids do not have the protection that dogs and cats do under most laws so abuse and lack of care can be rampant.

As an abuse investigator licensed by the State, and having worked in this field for over thirty years, we saw the need in the beginning for a safe haven for these wonderful animals. Our commitment to any animal that comes here is protection, love and care for the entire life of the animal.

For this reason we do not adopt out once they are here.

We are a small sanctuary by most standards with forty beautiful acres set in the farm country of southern Illinois. Our capacity is limited because of the lifelong care, but emergencies, animal shelters, and displaced house pets take top priority.

We do not run large herds together, but opt for pastures that are individual playing fields with grass and maybe one or two friends.

http://www.pigpalssanctuary.com/

Pig Pals Sanctuary™ was founded in 1987, when the plight of the unwanted pet pig first came to our attention. This wonderful and unique creature was advertised and commercialized beyond belief for a number of years bringing astronomical monetary gains to many people.

As with any animal, the more popular they became the more people there were that got them as babies and then couldn't handle the grown animal.

The truth is that the potbellied pig collections is only a good pet for those who take commitment and responsible pet ownership very seriously.

Responsible pet ownership is not defined by species and holds true across the board, but is even more important to the pet pig. These unique animals are so intelligent that the displacement is far more difficult for them than on other animals that are bought and discarded.

http://www.pigpalssanctuary.com/

It is believed that the majority of the breeds we now know are descended from the Eurasian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Archaeological evidence from the Middle East indicates domestication of the pig occurs as early as 9,000 years ago, with some evidence for domestication even earlier in China. Figurines, as well as bones, dating to the sixth and seventh millennia BC have been found at sites in the Middle East. Pigs were also a popular subject for statuettes in ancient Persia.

From here the pig card across Asia, Europe and Africa. One interesting point, while most livestock where utilized initially by nomadic peoples, swine are more indicative of a settled farming community. The reason for this is simply because pigs are difficult to herd and move for long distances. Pigs have become vital to the economy in parts of the world. For example, there exists a "pig culture" in New Guinea as strong and complex as any African culture based on cattle.

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/swine/