The High Court has ordered the closure of the controversial “Pigs Paradise” tourist attraction on Antigua’s west coast, ruling that the business constitutes a legal nuisance to neighbouring landowners.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Rene Williams, the court granted a permanent injunction against Pigs Paradise Ltd and its owner Chantelle Winter, prohibiting the operation of the business or the presence of pigs on or near the New Division Estate in the Jennings area. However, the court dismissed a related claim of trespass, citing insufficient evidence.

The case was brought by Vernon Hall and John Hall, representing the estate of the late Robert L.V. Hall, and J. Ray Hall, representing the estate of Albert Hall. The claimants alleged that the defendants had unlawfully occupied a portion of their land to run the tourist attraction, which allows visitors to swim with pigs.

They argued that the pigs had caused extensive damage to vegetation—including mangroves—and created strong offensive odours by defecating on or near their property.

In response, the defendants maintained that their operations were confined to Seaforth Beach, Crown land under the Beach Control Act, and not on private property. Ms. Winter further contended that her business was authorised by the Ministry of Tourism and that public access to the site had been established for over two decades.

But following a site visit and review of expert testimony, Justice Williams concluded that while the exact boundary between the foreshore and private land was not definitively surveyed, the nuisance created by the pigs’ presence was undeniable.

“The defendants are using the area in an exceptional manner,” the judge ruled. “The presence of pigs is not necessary for the enjoyment of the foreshore and their activity is not a common or ordinary use.”

Although the court did not find sufficient proof to support trespass claims—largely due to the absence of tidal measurements establishing the legal high-water mark—it accepted evidence that the pigs had caused persistent foul odours and environmental disruption.

The court awarded $7,500 in legal costs to the claimants, reduced from the standard $10,000 to reflect the partial dismissal of their claim.

The ruling effectively ends operations of Pigs Paradise at the site, with the court suggesting the business may seek relocation through official Crown channels, given the lack of permanent infrastructure at the location.

Justice Williams apologised to the parties for the delay in delivering the judgment, which followed trial proceedings, written submissions, and a judicial site inspection between June 2024 and May 2025.