The only rescue and sanctuary charity for farm animals in the prairie provinces is in a financial crisis.

Rescue And Sanctuary for Threatened Animals or R.A.S.T.A is just south of Calgary.

An influx of potbelly pigs in the last several months is causing a huge strain on the non-profit charity.

With names like Rudy, Dolly and Charlotte, these potbelly pigs are now in a safe place.

That wasn't always the case.

R.A.S.T.A. has had a huge increase in its number of potbelly pigs.

Lucie Cerny of R.A.S.T.A. told CTV Calgary, "Over the last 10 years we've had around 3 potbelly pigs at the sanctuary with a new surrender coming in every 1 or 2 years. However, in the last several months we've taken in 18 new pot belly pigs."

Cerny says the rescue is in a financial crisis.

The majority of pigs that have come in are in terrible shape and need specialized medical treatment because of severe neglect or improper care.

"In one case we actually had a potbelly pig that came in who had tusks that had never been maintained and they're actually allowed to grow so long that they grew into the animals face. And if you can imagine, that was just horribly painful for him."

Potbelly pigs are farm animals and may start off small and cute, but they weigh an average of 150-200 pounds or more than 100 kilograms when they're fully grown.

"Lucky they are completely unique, they need a specialized diet. They are very expensive animals actually because spaying or neutering a pot bell pig is much more expensive than dog or cat. You need an exotic animal vet."

Desiree Arsenault of the Calgary Humane Society told us, "It's a situation where you see these farm animals living within the city and they're really not meant to live within city limits unless they're on an acreage or something that can handle and have that room for them to move."

It's against city bylaws to own a potbelly pig in Calgary.

Arsenault says, "Within the City of Calgary you can not own a potbelly pig. If you've had it before March 2006 it is still legal but any time after that it is illegal through bylaws."

One thing people also don't' consider is potbellies need to live with other pigs.

R.A.S.T.A. is also home to rescued horses, goats, donkeys, llamas and many other species.

For more information on R.A.S.T.A you can visit their website at www.rastarescue.org.