23 March 2012 Last updated at 10:57 ET

Pig in Derby council house causes damage put at £15,000

Derby City Council looks for a tenant who caused thousands of pounds of damage by keeping a pig in his home

A pet pig allowed to live in a council house caused damage put at £15,000.

Derby Homes is trying to trace the tenant, who they believe recently removed the pig.

A spokeswoman said the 14-stone (89kg) animal could have been kept in the house on Kingsley Street in Sinfin for up to a year.

When council officials and the RSPCA went to evict the tenant on 15 March, they found muddied carpets covered in droppings and refuse on the floor.

Maria Murphy, director of housing and customer service at Derby Homes, the organisation which manages council houses in the city, said: "This is a disgraceful waste of money caused by a tenant who failed to show respect for this property.

Shetland ponies

"On top of the repair costs, there is the cost of the office time and legal proceedings in gaining possession of this property.

"The tenant removed the pig and therefore no action was taken by the RSPCA. We are trying to trace the whereabouts of the tenant and will pursue the cost of repairs required at the property," said Ms Murphy.

The BBC also understands the man also used to keep two Shetland ponies in his garden.

An eviction notice was sought following complaints from neighbours on Kingsley Road but the tenant has so far not been traced.

Ms Murphy added: "The individual will not be eligible for housing with Derby Homes in the future."