A Lismore-based sanctuary for unwanted and abused farm animals has been inundated with requests to rehome unwanted pigs and roosters.
Sugarshine FARM, a non-profit group, was founded in January 2015 by Kelly Nelder with the main objective being the rescue and rehoming of animals traditionally farmed.
Ms Nelder said however that the group was currently experiencing an increasing number of requests to assist with pigs and roosters.
‘We live in a community where self sustainability and a natural lifestyle are valued by many,’ she said.
‘As a result a lot of people like to have chickens and hatch chicks. Unfortunately 50 per cent of those chicks are likely to be unwanted noisy roosters.
‘This area is filled with caring people who don’t want to kill the roosters, but unfortunately they become desperate, and sometimes they abandon them in parks or on roadsides.
‘I remember this happening 30 years ago in this area and it’s still happening now.
Ms Nelder said Sugarshine was currently at overcapacity with roosters, and the requests were increasing, with ten requests coming in the last fortnight.
‘Pet pigs became popular a few years ago because of their affectionate, loving, and cheeky natures,’ she said.
‘As they grow however, they can become hard to manage, and as people’s lifestyles change, they are often unable to take a 200kg pet pig with them.
‘We have people literally begging us to take in their beloved pets, its heartbreaking.’
In an effort to deal with the problem, Sugarshine FARM will be holding an Information and Adoption Day on 11 December 2016 between 10am and 12pm.
‘This will be an opportunity for people to meet the animals available for adoption, and to gain insight into what is involved in caring for these beautiful and at times challenging creatures,’ Ms Nelder said.
Sugarshine FARM operates from a 3.5 hectare property at Wyrallah near Lismore.
Anyone interested in adopting an animal should contact Kelly Nelder on 0411620024 or 02 66298396.
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