A government investigation is under way after a pensioner was given a fashionable mini pig as a pet - but had little idea how to care for the animal.

Officials from a rare breeds centre found the Dartford resident had been given a micro pig as a 65th birthday present.

The eight inch tall, six-month-old animal was no cuddly pet. It lacked basic house manners and it was living off dog food and salted popcorn - as recommended by the breeder.

The animal was taken into the sanctuary of Artisan Rarebreeds, a centre that works with local authorities, after the owner called for help.

Wayne May, from Artisan Rarebreeds, said: "The pet owner was distressed she had to let the pig go, but they were completely misinformed about its care."

A breeder is said to have sold it as "the perfect pet".

However, his feeding advice was completely wrong, the pig should have been registered and is now quarantined until after the new year.

Mr May said: "Regardless of size, these animals are still domestic livestock, and should be kept in conditions fit for a farm animal.

"They should not be kept as household pets."

The pigs became fashionable when celebrities such as Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and the Beckhams snapped them up.

Before you can acquire a pig, a CPH (county parish holding) number is necessary. It also requires a movement licence before it can be taken anywhere – even for a walk.

"In this case, the owner was misinformed," said Mr May, pictured below. "The care sheet was completely wrong. Dog food should never be fed to a pig, nor should salted items because pigs cannot sweat. It becomes a serious welfare issue.

"The seriousness of this breeder's actions cannot be taken lightly.

"Not only has he left a family distraught from rehoming a much-loved pet, but the possibility of spreading diseases as a consequence of his feeding programme is considerable which is the reason we now have the pig in quarantine."

The Department for Food and Rural Affairs is now investigating the sale of the animal.

A spokesman said: "Pigs are farmed animals in the eyes of the law and subject to the same disease control measures and regulations as pigs kept in commercial livestock herds.

"These regulations have been put in place because all pigs are susceptible to a number of highly contagious diseases, such as swine fever and foot and mouth disease, which could have a devastating effect on the UK’s agricultural industry if allowed to spread unchecked.

"Keeping a pig in domestic surroundings has the potential to expose you and your family to diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans."