Appeal made over pot-bellied pigs

The tame pot-bellied pigs have been re-homed

The unusual discovery of three Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs in Aberdeenshire has led to an appeal for information.

The female animals appeared to have been set loose in woodland between Huntly and Dufftown.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) is investigating the incident.

The pot-bellied pigs, which were described as tame, have been re-homed locally as pets.

'Totally deplorable'

Scottish SPCA Senior Inspector Lesley Crockett said: "They were in very good condition and had obviously been well looked after by someone.

"Perhaps they became too big, or the owner's circumstances changed. Maybe they tried to find them a new home but couldn't.

"At this time of year, with traces of snow already lying in parts of the forest, there was no way the pigs would have survived long-term."

She added: "Whatever happened, simply abandoning the animals in the wild was totally deplorable, unacceptable and illegal - and an act which could result in a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison."