Chinese gene-modified micropig pets with £1,000 price spark animal rights outrage

Animals may suffer 'horrific impairments' as a result of genetic editing techniques developed at Beijing genomics insititute, claims RSPCA

Tiny pigs, created by genetic editing techniques pioneered at a Chinese science centre, are to be sold as pets in the near future. The prospect has triggered a furious row between animal rights groups and scientists.

Some say the creation of pet micro-pigs could cause considerable pain to the animals. Others say the use of gene editing techniques would be an improvement in standard animal breeding methods and cause less suffering.