This charming pig has found a unexpected welcome in the dog-friendly space.
An adorable “service pig” has become the center of attention at a trendy Brooklyn dog park, playing happily with small dogs — all while running afoul of a city prohibition on pet pigs, as reported by The Post.
The pint-sized companion captured hearts online after being featured in a viral TikTok and showcased on the beloved Good Boys of New York Instagram account.
The lively piglet was seen darting joyfully off-leash among its furry friends at Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
“Throwing raw bacon into a dog park is wild,” one user remarked regarding the Saturday adventure.
“Babe is indeed quite the tough cookie,” another user commented.
While the internet has been buzzing about the pet, dog owners hanging out at the park weren’t fazed by the presence of the pig.
“It’s not that unusual,” shared 26-year-old park visitor Ellie Nighswander, a publicist.
“I’ve definitely seen people bring parrots and just leave them in the trees,” she continued. “Exotic animals pop up now and then, but a teacup pig? I haven’t seen one until now, so I’ll be back regularly to check it out.”
“I frequently bring my dog to this park — I had no idea a pig would be here, but to be honest, this is Bushwick, so it’s not the strangest thing I’ve encountered,” remarked 22-year-old student Jordan Miller. “I kind of wish I could meet it.”
Miller viewed the mingling of species as harmless, provided the piglet is kept to a manageable size and that “someone is supervising it.”
“It all comes down to responsible pet ownership,” he emphasized.
However, experts caution that the idea of teacup pigs may be misleading.
“Mini” or “teacup pigs” are often misrepresented by breeders and may be inbred or poorly nourished, according to National Geographic.
These pigs can grow to weigh 100 pounds or more, leading many owners to surrender or euthanize them once they exceed their living space.
The piglet may also encounter significant danger long before it reaches adulthood.
“Pigs are prey creatures while dogs are natural predators,” John Di Leonardo, executive director of the animal rights organization Humane Long Island, stated in an interview with The Post.
“Allowing a piglet to roam freely at a dog park with potential predators is not only perilous for the piglet but also illegal.”
The animal rescuer emphasized that pigs struggle in urban environments and, as social animals, require companionship from others of their kind to prevent stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues.
“Imprinting a piglet on humans or dogs is not only dangerous but also unkind, particularly in a city where they can quickly grow to hundreds of pounds,” he continued, urging Bushwick residents to alert the health department regarding this situation.
Pigs that are kept illegally in the city may face hefty fines or even forced removal, similar to the situation with Staten Island’s Lucy the Pig — who was recently pardoned by Mayor Eric Adams following a contentious legal battle.
“In NYC, keeping pigs as pets is prohibited,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Health in a statement.
“Pigs are frequently marketed as mini or teacup-sized. However, they only remain small during their early years and grow larger as they age. Many pet pigs end up being surrendered by owners who are unprepared to care for a large animal.
Additionally, pig manure can produce intense odors that may inconvenience neighbors, and pigs can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans. Pigs also require outdoor space and the company of other pigs to thrive.
“These factors make it unsuitable to keep pigs in our densely populated urban setting. Furthermore, there is currently no USDA-approved rabies vaccine for pigs.”
Despite the city’s regulations, it’s unlikely that neighbors will report the much-loved pig, as even those unaware of its presence expressed excitement at the possibility of catching a glimpse.
“I would feel perfectly fine with my dog being around a pig,” stated Mark Sano De Los Reyes, a 45-year-old makeup artist.
“I’d definitely trust my dog with a pig — she’s interacted with smaller dogs on the far side of the park,” Miller added,
“I think she would be very curious to see it.”
