VILLAGE residents have been shocked to see three 'abandoned' pigs roaming freely around Silloth for the past week.

Fears have been raised over the safety of pets, children, and general property - as well as the perils the pigs themselves are facing - as they trudge through the Silloth area, near Skinburness Road, with no owners in sight to care for them.

Numerous calls have been made on social media to try and pinpoint the owners, but have had little success so far - despite the animals appearing to be 'electronically tagged'.

One resident, Diane Clorley, who first noticed the pigs last Thursday (December 15), said: "They are unpredictable and pose a danger.

"Our councillors should be doing something as well because of the damage with pigs rooting. If there's damage being done, our taxpayer money is being wasted.

"As a community, we might have to do something until something can be done in terms of food and water for the animals," she said.

The animals were seen roaming behind Skinburness Road, near the field at Solway Holiday Park.

Another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said they believe to be more animals abandoned within the area, such as a 'donkey, three alpacas and two mules'. 

"The pigs have been running around Silloth for the past week and have been making a right mess - even getting into a school's playground," they said.

News and Star: Pig strolls along Silloth coastPig strolls along Silloth coast (Image: Diane Clorley)

"People are aware of it but it's got to be stopped, there's a serious case of neglect going on here," she said.

The resident went looking for the pigs yesterday (Wednesday) and said they have finally been penned in.

Some accusations on social media said they believe to the pigs' owner to be former owner of the Solway Holiday Village, Sam Hagen.

But Mr Hagen told the News & Star: "I know nothing about this and Solway Holiday Village don't have pigs."

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "We are not aware of this incident but if there is any suspicion of animals abandoned we would urge people to call us on 0300 1234 999."

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "We are aware of reports about livestock being spotted in a public place in Silloth in recent days.

"We were informed on December 20 the animals had been contained and police were not required." 

Silloth Town Council and Defra were contacted for comment.

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