18 pot-bellied pigs saved from Milton-area home

MILTON — Foster homes have been found for 18 pot-bellied pigs surrendered to the Oakville and Milton Humane Society.

The pot-bellied pigs were surrendered from a property in the Milton area on Feb. 1 after a tip that was phoned in.

The matter is under investigation and the owners are working with the society to ensure the animals get the care they need, Humane society executive director Rick Perciante said.

“This is a great opportunity for us to play an effective role to remove the animals from the home to get them into the best foster homes,” he said.

“The owner wanted to get the best possible care for them,” he added.

Many of the pigs were in need of medical care.

The recent extreme cold weather made it imperative to transport the pigs as quickly as possible.

The removal took three days during in — 30 C temperatures. Registered vet technicians were on-site to triage each pig before they were transported for treatment and care.

Those that needed urgent care were immediately taken to an emergency veterinary hospital.

The first three pigs that had been transported from the property were sent directly to the urgent care veterinary hospital.

One of the pigs was weak and lethargic and had to be syringe fed at the hospital.

Another pot-bellied pig was checked for lameness and the third was suffering from advanced mange.

Some had hooves that had grown so long the pigs could hardly walk.

Many had to be sedated to be spayed or neutered.

Since the humane society receives no government funding to care for the animals, it’s hopes to raise $15,000, which will help fund food, shelter and veterinary care.