When two North Carolina animal rescue groups heard about an estimated 200 Burke County pigs in peril, volunteers jumped into mud and manure for what they call one of their biggest-ever rescue projects.
About 33 pigs were found living inside a Morganton area home in a hoarding situation. Two Triad area rescue agencies are helping to relocate the pigs to Caswell County and find families for the neglected animals.
A small army of volunteers have traveled from the Triad to Morganton since Feb. 17 to tend to the neglected pigs. The intelligent beasts thrive on social interaction, experts say.
See the nearly 200 pigs pulled from Burke County home filled with feces, mud
Piglets at rest in a clean bed of wood shavings set up by rescuers.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
All of the nearly 200 pigs are under quarantine while they are tested for the bacteria brucella, which causes brucellosis.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
Three sows are nursing 18 piglets and at least three more are ready to deliver litters, rescuers said.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
A solitary and underweight pig clings to a fence as it tries out a new straw-covered living space.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
Pigs were discovered living inside a Burke County home where feces caked the floors.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
A piglet enjoys fresh straw bedding and a toy from rescuers.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
A small army of volunteers have traveled from the Triad to Morganton since Feb. 17 to tend to the neglected pigs. The intelligent beasts thrive on social interaction, experts say.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
About 33 pigs had shared quarters with human owners and 23 dogs in a home near Morganton that has recently been condemned.
Courtesy of Allison Bowling
Hogs making themselves at home in a living room in a condemned Morganton house.
About 33 pigs were found living inside a Morganton area home in a hoarding situation. Two Triad area rescue agencies are helping to relocate the pigs to Caswell County and find families for the neglected animals.
A small army of volunteers have traveled from the Triad to Morganton since Feb. 17 to tend to the neglected pigs. The intelligent beasts thrive on social interaction, experts say.
