The wheels are turning for a fundraiser which would see a partially paralysed pig fitted with a wheelchair.

Pip, a Vietnamese black pot bellied pig who lives at the Happy Pants Ranch in Yelsted, near Sittingbourne lost the use of her back legs in November, due to a suspected spinal trauma.

Sanctuary founder Amey James and volunteers had taken to sliding a blanket under Pip, and hoisting her up as she trotted around the field on her front legs twice a day, to make sure she got a change of scenery and exercise.

Pip, six, is slowly regaining the use of her back legs, and Ms James, 34, hopes a specially designed wheelchair will aid her recovery.

Ms James, who also works full time as a graphic designer and dog walker, has spoken to a company which builds wheelchairs for dogs, and the contraption is estimated to cost £500.

Ms James said: "Pip is standing up to drink and she keeps trying to move around. I think if she gets the wheelchair it will build up the strength in her legs.

"I am hoping it could lead to a full recovery. I never thought she would even get this far."

"She's a million times better than when it first happened. There was a time I thought she was quite depressed.

"She couldn't even get up to get her own water, we had to move her. But now she seems great.

"She's made friends with a new pig who is really grumpy and didn't want to stay with the other pigs. But I came in this morning and they were in the same stable."

The Happy Pants Ranch, in Hill Green Road, is home to about 300 animals, from goldfish to cows and goats. As a charity it relies on donations to continue.

In January, Ms James welcomed 50 hens after they had been taken from a farm by activists over allegations of poor conditions.

Ms James said: "Whatever I would do for a dog or rabbit I would do for a pig. I don't believe in the difference between domestic and lifestock. I would hope most people would try to help Pip, as long as her quality of life was not compromised. Maybe I just like a challenge."

To help Pip, click here.

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