A pig that escaped from its pen and ran free has been returned to its owner.

The heavyweight porker was filmed by several residents who posted the video footage on social media outlets this week.

A government spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that the animal had been reunited with its owner, who was not named.

The spokeswoman said: “The ministry can advise that on January 10 the owner informed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the matter and successfully retrieved it themselves.

“Like most domesticated animals, pigs are generally not aggressive. However, an animal will defend itself if it feels threatened, resulting in injury.

“The public is advised to maintain a safe distance and avoid cornering any animal, domesticated or otherwise.”