Courtesy of the University of Guelph

There are some special pigs with a very uncertain future.  The University of Guelph genetically modified 16 pigs so they would be less environmentally problematic.  They made these pigs to require less feed, and therefore produce less manure and produce fewer greenhouse gases.  

The goal was for these pig to eventually be produced for human consumption, however Ontario Pork stopped funding the project.  

The University of Guelph has received many offers from individuals and groups to adopt the pigs, but they are hesitant because of potential risks that come along with that.  They want full control to avoid the pigs escaping or being released.  

Farm Sanctuary Senior Director, Bruce Friedrich says he has been speaking with the VP for Research at the University of Guelph. "He's been very vague and he has claimed that there are protocols and regulations that preclude them from working with us to save the pigs.  But he hasn't been able to point to anything specific so my hunch is that there isn't anything that we can't past," he explains. "So we'll be putting a bit more pressure on Guelph and we encourage others to do the same. Our hope is that they will come to their senses and to work with us to allow these animals to lead out their natural lives."

Friedrich says Guelph said if they aren't able to get secure additional funding to continue with the research they are going to kill the animals.  

If Farm Sanctuary is able to find any loopholes in Guelph's rules and regulations and adopt the animals, they will then work with Canadian animals protection groups and agencies and assign the pigs to homes in Canada.