Why is it important to avoid chasing small pigs and piglets?

Avoiding the chasing of small pigs and piglets is crucial primarily because they may overheat or become frightened. Young animals, particularly piglets, are highly sensitive to stress, and chasing can exacerbate their fear response, leading to panic. When under stress, they can overexert themselves during frantic runs, resulting in overheating, as pigs are unable to sweat effectively to cool down. This can lead to serious health issues or even collapse.

Additionally, stress and fear can have long-term effects on their behavior and welfare, hindering bond formation with humans and causing issues in handling later on. Being calm and gentle in approaching and handling these young animals helps build trust and ensures their well-being.

While other concerns, such as the possibility of injury from falls or aggressive behavior, exist, the primary and immediate risk in this scenario focuses on the stress response and overheating that comes from chasing them.