The RSPCA are searching for the ideal home for two very special Kunekune pigs.

Ava and Doris are two fully grown female pigs who are believed to be around 10 or 11 years old.

They came into RSPCA care after they were found in East Kent in an unsuitable, muddy environment, severely underweight and suffering from a painful, untreated condition on their rear legs.

However, following months of care by the RSPCA the pair have improved dramatically and thanks to ongoing veterinary treatment they are much more mobile and enjoy nothing more than rooting around.

The RSPCA is keen to rehome the pair together and hope that they can find them a forever home.

RSPCA inspector Ellie Burt said: “When the pair came into our care they were in a very sorry state with lots of issues, and no enthusiasm for life.

"But following months of care and loving treatment by the centre which has been looking after them, their personalities are now really shining through.

“They are now much more mobile and love to jump up at the gate when you go to visit them.

“I am really hopeful that there is someone out there with a smallholding or a farm that would be happy to take on this pair so they can live out the rest of their lives in comfort.

“They have the most wonderful characters and really deserve a second chance.”

It’s essential that their new adopter has experience of keeping pigs to make sure they can provide everything they’ll need to be looked after properly, as well as knowledge of the laws associated with keeping pigs such as what they can and can’t be fed.

They’ll also need to register their land to keep pigs if they haven’t already done so, and follow the required laws to transport them.

To be properly cared for, the pigs will need a large designated space just for them where they can wallow in mud to cool down in the summer, and a pig hut full of comfy straw in the winter to snuggle up inside and keep cosy.

If you think you could offer Ava and Doris a new home please contact 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Burt.

Both pigs have been receiving medication, which has helped to improve their condition, and while they do not need it during the summer months, it may be required during the colder wetter months.