Stray piglet faces custody battle

Jasmine was just 30 minutes old when found

A piglet found at the side of a Derbyshire road is at the centre of a battle over its fate.

Named Jasmine by staff at the RSPCA centre in Chesterfield, the animal is thought to have fallen out of a lorry shortly after being born.

A local farmer has claimed ownership but the centre has been "inundated" with people who want to adopt the pig.

The RSPCA said it was seeking the owner but Jasmine was staying put due to foot-and-mouth restrictions.

A driver rescued the animal after nearly hitting it while driving along Poolsbrook Road, at Poolsbrook.

Kind people

At the moment, restrictions on the movement of livestock due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak mean Jasmine cannot be moved.

Bill Smith, 67, of Staveley, has reportedly demanded the piglet back, saying his family are the only breeders of the rare Tamworth breed in the area.

Gary Taylor, assistant manager of the RSPCA centre in Chesterfield, said: "There has been lots of good-hearted people coming forward wanting to give the pig a home as a pet.

"We've been inundated with offers of a home and we are keeping them all on file."