AFTER concerned residents raised fears with the authorities about potential neglect following the numerous sightings of three pigs roaming around Silloth, the RSPCA have said the animals had been found with 'no obvious welfare issues'. 

Original fears were raised over the safety of pets, children, and general property - as well as the perils the pigs themselves faced - as they trudged through the Silloth area, near Skinburness Road, with no apparent owners in sight.

Whilst no owners have been officially located, the animals have now been penned in and visited by the RSPCA. 

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We received a report about concerns about a number of animals and we attended.

"We saw pigs, ponies and alpacas all which were provided with food and water and had no obvious welfare issues.

“We understand that some of the animals had escaped previously so they are now temporarily penned in another area and are being regularly visited," they said. 

The RSPCA also said they had been informed that 'one' of the animals are being rehomed in the next few days, and that they "expect all will have left the site in the new year". 

However, residents from the area have raised concerns that they believe all the animals will be going to the slaughterhouse as opposed to being rehomed - despite their best efforts.

There remains confusion as to where the animals had originally come from; speculation leant towards Solway Holiday Park. 

A spokesperson from Solway Holiday Village said they had received reports of escaping animals, but it's not their responsibility as they don't own the land.

"The land is owned by the previous owner Mr Sam Hagan and not the new owner Solway Cove Communities.

"I do believe the animals are safe and sound and are being checked on regularly," they said. 

In response to fears of the animals going to the slaughterhouse, Mr Hagan said: "I've been told they are for sale."

The RSPCA thanked the Silloth community for their concerns: “We are grateful to people who report suspected animal welfare concerns to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, where necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare," they said. 

READ MORE: The Cumbrian town where 'abandoned' and 'unpredictable' pigs roam free