As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are reportedly considering pigs as a pocket-friendly pet.
In Colchester, actor and children’s entertainer Victoria Wiseman has embraced the trend with two miniature pigs from Buckinghamshire-based Kew Little Pigs.
Ms Wiseman said: "I gave up on humans a long time ago, I have found that pigs are so intelligent."
"I would say they are a cross between a dog and a cat.
"They can be aloof at times but they are also so affectionate," she added.
With dogs costing around £250 per month for food, insurance, and care, some are turning to alternatives.
Pigs, by comparison, can cost as little as £40 per month.
Victoria’s pig Peanut has even taken part in Hoopers, a dog sport involving hoops, tunnels, and barrels.
She said: "Pigs are less demanding than dogs, but they still train like a dog."
Her love of pigs began four years before adopting Peanut and her late pig Noodle from Kew Little Pigs.
Victoria said: "People say, 'Why pigs?' and I say, 'Why not?'
"A lot of people still don't realise how clever they are.
"Once you get to know them, they completely win you over."
Olivia Mikhail, owner of Kew Little Pigs, said: "We have definitely seen an increase in people looking at pigs as an alternative to dogs.
"The cost of living is affecting everybody and people are looking very carefully at what they can realistically afford."
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