Pig owner takes his two porkers for a walk but can only go on a route approved by Government officials

A PIG owner takes his two porkers for a walk — but can only go on a route approved by Government officials.  Josh Townsend, 32, is regularly seen with mini-pigs Billy and Franklyn strolling through the park although they must avoid shops, cafés and picnickers. The IT manager has taught them the sort of tricks […]

A PIG owner takes his two porkers for a walk — but can only go on a route approved by Government officials. 

Josh Townsend, 32, is regularly seen with mini-pigs Billy and Franklyn strolling through the park although they must avoid shops, cafés and picnickers.

SWNS

Josh Townsend takes his two pigs for a walk on a pre-approved route[/caption]

The IT manager has taught them the sort of tricks normally done by dogs.

But he cannot veer from the route in ­Cheltenham, Gloucs, licensed by the Environment Department A spokesman said: “This licence is intended to minimise the risk of spread of disease.”

Guidance on pig ownership says: “Pigs are livestock and thus owners need to comply with all relevant animal health legislation. There are no exemptions for keeping pigs as pets.

“The place they are kept needs to be registered, the animals properly identified and movements recorded. Pigs can be walked under a licence issued by APHA and the route agreed in this licence is intended to minimise the risk of spread of disease between the pig being walked and other livestock.

“All animal keepers whether they keep livestock commercially or as pets should adopt high standards of biosecurity.

SWNS

Josh’s pet pig Franklyn takes a bath at home in Cheltenham[/caption]

SWNS

Billy the pig has been taught the sort of tricks normally done by dogs[/caption]

“Livestock kept as pets must not be fed meat or kitchen scraps as this is illegal.

“The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence either to cause any captive animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide the welfare needs of the animal.

“For further information on keeping a pet pig or ‘micropig’, please see Government guidance.”

SWNS

The 32-year-old must avoid shops and picnics when he takes his porkies for a walk[/caption]

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk