09/25/2023
NOTICE TO READERS: The accounting of events you are about to read may be seen multiple times across the social media pages of several, independent rescues. The rescues involved in this matter are a collaborative group that work together on a daily basis behind the scenes, banding together to help as many pigs in need as possible - a true rarity in the rescue world.
On April 23rd, a member of the public alerted us to 170 potbelly pigs who were starving to death and covered in mange in El Cajon. We all networked, rounding up small rescue partners and friends, to create a team that could get every pig out of the hoarding hell they were in, and into a variety of rescue locations for care. They were treated for mange, and began their journey back to health, then distributed to various locations for ongoing care and spays/neuters. As of today, ALL boys have been neutered and are living happy lives. They are almost healed and will soon be ready for adoption.
Getting the females spayed has been a slower process. In addition to excessive summer heat making invasive surgery and recovery inadvisable, the organization who took on the females said the vet was not working with her to get spays scheduled. A little over a month ago, this party told the team they had a family health emergency and would no longer be able to care for the pigs. Understanding the urgency, our team worked around the clock to find new rescue locations, and prepare emergency fencing and housing for them all.
As pigs started to arrive at the new rescue locations, we became aware of some concerning conditions. Many were underweight, some severely, and many others appeared to be pregnant. Tragically this former team member failed to care for the pigs properly, or keep them separated from other, intact pigs.
Luckily thanks to our other team members with proper feeding and care over the last several weeks, the girls are already at - or very near - healthy weights. However, within days of arriving at new rescue locations, piglets were being born. One of our rescuers built a spectacular nursery. We now housing 11 young mothers and their piglets, with more expected to deliver any day. We are working with a team of vets at each location to ensure the health and safety of each pig. One girl required an emergency C-section due to her size and age not allowing for a successful delivery. She is recovering very well thanks to the quick actions of one of our vets, but this level of care comes at a high financial cost.
In addition to updating you of this situation, we are also putting out a plea for help. As if 170 pigs was not enough of a challenge, we now have dozens of piglets to care for and spay/neuter when they are old enough. With multiple dump cases daily, and the shelters full to the brim, there aren’t enough homes, and we need you, friends.
WE NEED YOU, NOW.
Please consider fostering, adopting, sponsoring, donating, or even volunteering at one of our many locations. These sweet piggies have been through so much, for so long. Together, we can show them that not all of humanity is a lost cause.
