“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” – Sir Winston Churchill A registered charity that works tirelessly to rescue unwanted pet pigs and provide them with a safe, loving home, Curly Tails’ journey may have started less than a decade ago, but the story of its founder’s relationship with these magnificent animals goes back much further. Jane Scott has had pet pigs for more than 15 years, and the bond she shares with these animals is second to none. This led her to develop Curly Tails, which today boasts ties with local and national animal rescue organisations alike. Regarding animal rescue, a big part of the work Curly Tails does is finding a home for micro-pigs that are no longer wanted, often because they are not quite as ‘micro’ as people were led to believe. Contrary to what many think, a micro-pig is not a breed – it is simply a class of animal. A fully grown micro-pig can weigh up to 25 stone, and so it is only ‘micro’ compared to a regular pig, which can weigh as much as 40 stone. Therefore, this image people have of pigs in teacups is often far from the truth. Those less informed – or deliberately trying to deceive – will suggest that these animals will not get much bigger than a dog, but there is no guaranteeing the size of a micro-pig. It is all in the genetics. Regardless of size, it is also important to remember that they will be ten times heavier, stronger, and more mischievous than their canine equivalent, making having the right provisions essential for caring for a micro-pig. Raising awareness of this is one of Curly Tails’ main responsibilities, and one it truly cherishes. In the sad case where one of these gentle creatures is no longer wanted – or worse, has been mistreated, abandoned, or neglected – Curly Tails endeavours to find them a safe place to live, sparing them the cruel fate of euthanasia by taking them in, rehabilitating them on an emotional and a physical level, and finding them a new home if possible. Should rehoming not be an option, then these pigs stay with Jane and the team here for the rest of their lives, living in a safe and caring environment. As mentioned above, this tranquil location can be found in the heart of Buckinghamshire, where approximately 50 pigs are given acres of space to roam, interact with one another, and – as discussed below – support in animal-assisted therapy from the on-site wellbeing centre. The small size of the charity means it is not able to open on the public on a daily basis, but appointments can be booked using its website. There are also a small number of other animals on the site, as well as a shop and café. From this quaint location, the worlds of an animal sanctuary and porcine-assisted therapy converge, with Curly Tails welcoming groups from the likes of schools and Scouts, as well as children and adults with additional needs, elderly people, unique parties, and private tours. Students, graduates, and those looking for temporary work placements are also invited to boost their confidence and experience. Finally, individuals with conditions like autism and anxiety can attend welcoming one-to-one sessions. Exploring what some of these experiences might look like, especially for children, the sanctuary offers age-appropriate learning journeys complete with opportunities to interact with the pigs. This includes meeting, petting, and feeding them, as well as learning all about them as they go round. These visits can be linked to a school topic or project, or they can simply be a fun and educational day out. What all of the above demonstrates is that Curly Tails is absolutely committed to offering enjoyment – for both the pigs and its visitors alike. Having experienced tremendous success with both its rescue sanctuary and wellbeing centre, it is our pleasure to recognise the efforts of Jane and the team here by naming Curly Tails the Best Animal Rescue Sanctuary & Assisted Therapy Provider 2025. Contact: Jane Scott Company: Curly Tails Web Address: https://curlytails.org/ When we think of animal sanctuaries and therapy animals, pigs are not usually the first thing to come to mind. However, pigs are not only highly intelligent (about the same as a three-year-old child), they also have emotions, memories, and even dreams. Across six acres of land in the heart of Buckinghamshire, Curly Tails houses rescue pigs and has grown rapidly as both a rescue centre and a learning, education, and wellbeing centre since opening its doors in March 2016. Best Animal Rescue Sanctuary & Assisted Therapy Provider 2025
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