Better Pig

"Spinner's sake, if I have to listen to another smug client bragging about how amazing their pet boar is I'm going to lose it."
Overheard at Kameraz Spa Resort.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Boars covered in dark, wiry hair, largely similar to wild boars except their tusks are often shorter and their tails slightly curled, similar to the domestic pig.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The reccomended healthy diet for a Better Pig consists mainly of tubers and root vegetables, supplemented with fruit, some grains, and fresh meat.
However, due to their hunger and status as a house pet, poorly trained Better Pigs are notorious for raiding bins and fridges to eat any foodstuff they can. Irresponsible owners will feed their pig cakes and treats, which often leads to obesity and sickness when that is all they are provided.

Additional Information

Domestication

Whilst there are many fascinating creatures in the world, the ones which stand out as pets are in fact, boars. Not to be confused with common domesticated swine, these boars have been bred to retain their natural appearance whilst being significantly less aggressive than their wild ancestors. Boars being kept as pets is a relatively new trend, originating from a popular model in Kozegard who bought one and then had a lavish photoshoot to show off his striking new pet. Only the very wealthy are able to afford the necessary requirements for safely owning such a pet, given that they are still relatively destructive and prone to making messes wherever they go. They also require a great deal of space – a requirement most ordinary people are unable to fulfil.
Owning a boar is seen as the height of sophistication, with many magazines publishing articles warning against trying to keep boars as pets right next to exclusive interviews of celebrities showing off their latest acquisitions. Boar related merchandise is very popular because of this latest trend, but unfortunately, so are abandoned boars. This causes havoc with local ecosystems, given that domesticated boars lack many of the survival skills held by normal wild boars, but still possess the same power to cause untold chaos. An escaped boar causes much the same problem.
Several countries have passed strict laws limiting the sale and ownership of boars, a move which has done little to stop the booming black market trade of domesticated boars. Given that the domesticated boars still look very similar to their wild cousins, it is not unheard of for black market breeders to drug wild boars to make them appear more docile and sell them on to an unsuspecting member of the general public. The punishment for illegally owning a boar ranges from fines (generally ineffective), prison time, and the execution of the animal in question. Animal rights groups have expressed anger at these policies, and have launched several initiatives to raise awareness of the plight of these animals.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have the same good perception as their wild cousins, but are gentler and far more friendly. They develop strong bonds with their owners and object to being alone. Some do not recognise other boars as being the same species.

Scientific Name

Sus Melius

Origin/Ancestry

Sus Scrofa

Lifespan

15 - 20 years

Conservation Status

Not protected.