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Small Town Revolts Against Tourists: They Surround and Chase Free-Roaming Pigs for Selfies and Videos: “They Suffer Because of the ‘Pig Tourists’”

Published on 14/11/2025 at 11:59
Cidade, Porcos, Turistas
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Tourists Seeking Selfies in New Forest National Park, in Southern England, Are Chasing and Cornering Pigs from the Ritual “Pannage,” Triggering Alerts from Activists and Local Authorities

According to an article from the New York Post, an unusual scenario has raised concerns in New Forest National Park, in southern England. The site, known for its vast fields and over 600 free-roaming pigs during the annual ritual called “pannage,” is now facing a new trend among tourists: selfies with the animals. The problem is that the quest for perfect photos has crossed the boundaries of respect and safety.

Tourists Exaggerate to Get the Best Shot

Visitors, eager for images for social media, have been getting too close to the pigs. Some even corner the animals against fences and place cameras just a few centimeters from their snouts.

According to Gilly Jones, an animal welfare activist, the situation has become alarming because the pigs are constantly being chased. “My issue is the constant harassment, and when I say constant, I mean they suffer because of ‘pig tourists’,” she told the Daily Mail.

Jones recounted witnessing people jumping out of cars and even running after piglets on busy roads.

This behavior, besides being dangerous, causes stress to the animals and can lead to serious accidents.

Century-Old Ritual and Increasing Risk

The free-roaming pigs in New Forest are not wild. They belong to local residents and include traditional breeds like Tamworth and Gloucestershire Old Spot.

The release occurs every year so that the pigs can eat acorns and nuts, which are toxic to the ponies and cattle that live in the park.

The ritual, known as “pannage,” began in September and will continue until January 4, 2026. This time, the period has been extended due to the large amount of acorns.

For Jones, this means more exposure time for the animals and, therefore, a higher risk of incidents caused by inattentive tourists.

Complaints and Appeals for Pig Protection

The activist warned that visitors are acting increasingly boldly. Many get too close to take “aesthetically pleasing” photos, without considering the well-being of the pigs.

Jones also urged local businesses to stop promoting pig grazing as a tourist attraction. She took her complaints to the Verderers Court, an institution responsible for regulating activities within the park.

Authorities Call for Caution, but Recognize Limits

Andrew Parry-Norton, president of the New Forest Residents’ Defense Association, acknowledged the problem but pointed out that taking photos of the pigs is not illegal.

He stated that tourists should keep their distance and use camera zooms, avoiding any physical contact.

It’s important for people to understand that the pigs are there to fulfill an essential role,” he explained. According to him, the public needs to learn to observe without interfering.

Parry-Norton also emphasized that, as it is a National Park, visitor flow will remain high. “People will continue coming to the Forest; after all, it’s a National Park,” Parry-Norton told the Daily Mail.

You know, we tell them not to touch them, not to feed them, not to pet them… They’re doing a very important job.

With information from New York Post.

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Romário Pereira de Carvalho

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