Piglets Without Borders: UK and Irish Farms Unite for Ethical Miniature Pig Breeding
In a refreshing twist on post-Brexit collaborations, two farms—one nestled in Buckinghamshire, England, and the other set among the scenic meadows of County Galway, Ireland—have formed an unlikely yet inspiring alliance centered around some very small, very special animals: miniature pigs.
This month, Burren Nature Sanctuary in Kinvara, Ireland, welcomed two litters of micro piglets born to proud sows Freya and Flora. Thirteen healthy piglets now snuffle happily through the grass, marking the first success of a cross-border breeding programme between Burren and the UK’s leading ethical miniature pig breeder, Kew Little Pigs.
“We wanted to show that even with borders and bureaucracy, animal welfare doesn’t have to suffer,” said Olivia Mikhail, founder of Kew Little Pigs. Her farm, which began as a backyard dream, has blossomed into the UK’s foremost ethical breeder of miniature pigs.
The project had a long runway—over a year of training, veterinary protocols, and Brexit-era paperwork—before Freya and her companions, Apollo and Jupiter, were cleared to make the journey from England to Ireland. Customs officers confirmed they were the first pigs to legally cross into Ireland from the UK since Brexit, making them porcine pioneers of a different sort.
For Mary Bermingham, co-founder of Burren Nature Sanctuary, the mission is deeply personal. “It all started when we rescued a pig named Amelia. I never knew how clever and emotional pigs could be,” she said. “Partnering with Olivia means we’re bringing the highest standards of care and knowledge to Ireland.”
The collaboration is about far more than adorable piglets—it’s a step forward for ethical breeding and responsible ownership. All future pig owners will undergo vetting and education before adopting, ensuring pigs aren’t treated as short-term novelties.
“We’re building a network of responsible, informed pig parents,” Mary emphasized. “These animals are intelligent, sensitive, and they need proper care—this isn’t just about cuteness.”
At Burren, the new piglets are already stealing hearts during nature walks and woodland piglet experiences, offering visitors a chance to meet the animals while learning about conservation and care.
For Olivia, the whole journey stems from her daughter’s childhood fascination with stories like Charlotte’s Web and Babe. “Eva’s love for pigs started this all,” she said. “Now, we’re changing the landscape of pet pig ownership across Europe—one tiny trotter at a time.”