Miniature pigs kept as companion animals often grow much larger than promised, resulting in abandonment when owners are unprepared for their care requirements.
Pet pigs subjected to severe food restriction to remain small develop nutritional deficiencies, chronic hunger, and gastric ulcers. Pigs kept on inappropriate high-carbohydrate diets develop obesity-related metabolic problems. Bored pigs in inadequate environments develop destructive rooting behavior, aggression, and stereotypic pacing. Pigs surrendered to shelters face challenges because most animal shelters are not equipped to care for them. The combination of misleading size claims and insufficient owner education creates a predictable welfare crisis cycle.