A herd of pigs have been chilling out in the hot weather with thanks to staff at the RSPCA Southridge animal centre.

The six pigs, who are all looking for homes, came into the RSPCA after being rescued along with dozens of other animals.

Staff have lavished the mother pig and her five piglets with lots of tender loving care and during the hot weather have been going the extra mile to make sure the pigs keep cool.

Lisa Obertelli, from the centre, said: “We put suncream on the pigs three times a day to make sure they don’t burn, taking particular care of their ears.

“When it’s been really hot we have been giving them frozen watermelon to munch, we also fill up buckets with water and fruit to make giant ice lollies.

“We have water sprays they can go under and we’ve been making sure their wallow is nice and muddy to keep them cool.”

The pigs, Penelope and her sows Babe, Charlotte and Peppa and boars Percy and Rodney, are looking for a new owner who will take just as much care of them.

Lisa added: “Penelope is a very feisty, protective mum.

“They really deserve a loving forever home where they will be well looked after whatever the weather.”

Before deciding to keep any farm animals it’s important to consider if you have the knowledge, time, facilities, money, and commitment needed to care for them.

Sconaid Wastie, a pig welfare specialist at the RSPCA, said: “Pigs are very intelligent and social animals and need an owner who is committed to giving them the right care and facilities.

“Owning and caring for pigs requires a great deal of commitment, time, knowledge, skill, money, sufficient land on which to house the animal, specialist veterinary care when necessary and compliance with the legislation governing keeping a pig.

“Anyone who is interested in rehoming this group of pigs will need to have plenty of land for them. Sometimes gardeners, smallholders and farmers keep groups of pigs to turn over land or woodland before moving them onto other areas.

“They are a friendly bunch, they are used to being handled so I’m sure they will find a fantastic home.”

For more information please visit: http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/farm/farmanimals/pigs

To find out more about Penelope and her piglets visit  RSPCA Southridge website for more details.