TWO pigs at the centre of a vicious attack in Flintshire are set for a happy new year in ‘retirement’.
The Gloucester Old Spots were savagely beaten by three yobs with fence posts and bricks in their enclosure at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park last summer.
Fortunately, the pigs survived their terrifying ordeal and are now due to start their new life on a farm in Hawarden.
Operations manager at the park Chris Wright said: “They’re very honoured not to be part of the food chain, as most pigs are. They’re going to be on a farm, mooching about and being fed.”
Since their arrival at the heritage park in April last year, when they were just eight weeks old, they have proved a popular attraction with visitors.
Chris added: “The animals play an important role in educating our visitors in that they allow them interaction that they may not normally get in an urban or suburban setting.
“It’s very important, particularly for children, to be able to experience being up close and personal with the animals.
“However, we are keen to ensure that people know it’s not a petting zoo,” he added.
The pigs hit the headlines in August last year when they were savagely beaten, resulting in one of the pigs being knocked unconscious.
A court heard in November that the animals could have died because they were so
stressed as a result of the attack, with a vet’s report stating they had clearly suffered “severe, acute pain and discomfort”.
A 14-year-old boy admitted his part in the attack and received a referral order for nine months and was banned from owning or keeping any animals for 12 months.
Two others had also been arrested but no action was taken against them.
Jo Graham, a senior warden at the park, will be taking the pigs to her tenant farm in Hawarden, where they can enjoy the rest of their days.
Chris added: “Jo has really taken the lead in protecting them. She’s taken quite a shine to them.”