A couple who bid to rescue a pig at an auction were left stunned after learning they were buying its meat.
Meg Weinberger and her husband Eric received an ultimatum from West Palm Beach fair in Florida, US, after being told the pig would have to be killed or their $4,700 (£3,700) bid would be rejected.
The pair, who are animal lovers, were at the fair when they saw the female pig and quickly fell in love with the animal.
Weinberger wanted to bring the live pig back to the couple's animal sanctuary so it could roam around with other animals.
But despite wanting to save the pig's life Florida law refuses the sale of live animals at a "terminal market" - otherwise known as a seller of farm products.
The auction, which the couple won, has forced them to bring the pig, named as Bella B Swine, back as meat or to return their prize.
The couple refused and their bid collapsed - with Bella taken to a local slaughter house.
Weinberger has criticised the fair organisers for backtracking on their deal and claims there were no signs displayed at the auction.
In addition, there was no bidding agreement which outlined the market's policy, she said.
Weinbeger told CBS12 News she was shocked to find Bella would have to be slaughtered despite winning an auction which would see her rescued and taken to their local sanctuary .
The couple out bid other buyers after stumping up $4,700 for Bella but the pair were told the animal would have to brought back as meat - otherwise she would violate animal enterprise protection laws.
She said: "'They wouldn't take our credit card. They told us it was a state law that she had to be slaughtered."
They were left gutted as the bid to bring Bella back to their home was to replace the pig they had just lost.
She added: "We lost a pig Wilbur recently. So I went in and I started bidding. We ended up winning the bid for $4,700."
President and CEO of the fair, Vicki Chouris, admitted no amount of money would be enough to save the pig due to Florida laws.
She said the animals sold off are part of a lesson to children on how to become farmers.
Vicki said: "'We are a venue for young people in our community to be able to learn how to become ranchers and farmers.
'The process is they raise the animals for food consumption. That is the reason why.
"To change the rules midstream, just because someone wants to take an animal home, is not ethical. These children are being taught how to follow rules."
Following the rules, the couple were not charged $4,700, and that the pig has since been sent to a local slaughter house.
