LAWRENCE (KSNT) – People are stepping up to help find loving homes for lost highway pigs that take a brave jump to freedom.
27 News got in touch with the Lawrence Humane Society (LHS) and the non-profit Kansas City Pig Rescue Network (KCPRN) this month to learn how both organizations are helping care for “jumper” pigs. These pigs are referred to as jumpers after they escape from transport trucks and are often found wandering around near the highway.
LHS Director of Development and Communication Elina Alterman said her organization has brought in two jumper pigs over the last couple years. She said these are of the Yorkshire variety which are bred for human consumption and can regularly reach 250-300 pounds in weight. However, many are only piglets when transported.
“From my understanding, these piglets are small and they’re packed in so tight,” Alterman said. “They’re so small, they fall through slats in the floor. Sometimes, because they’re packed in so tight and they’re so anxious, they fall out the sides.”
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The LHS recently took in a small piglet that a Good Samaritan brought to the shelter in June. Nicknamed Gilbert, LHS staff worked with friends at the KCPRN to locate a suitable home for the wayward pig and treat his injuries.
“We are so grateful to have a partner like Kansas City Pig Rescue Network, because they truly are the experts,” Alterman said. “I did not grow up on a farm, I had no pig experience at all. I learned everything from them and we are so grateful for their help.”
Alterman said it is important for staff to get jumpers into the care of veterinarians quickly as many are injured after falling off the transport trucks. She said it is also essential to keep in mind that pigs require specialized care. People who feed piglets dog or cat food or bottle-feed them may cause more harm than good in the long run.
“It’s important to get them the care they need specific to them,” Alterman said.
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Board President of the KCPRN Kayli Houk said her organization may see around a dozen or so jumper pigs each year. She said there will be periods of time when people will see these pigs wandering around.
“It does come in waves, it is jumper season right now,” Houk said. “We are in the height of that season right now.”
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Gilbert the pig gets care at the Lawrence Humane Society. (Photo Courtesy/Lawrence Humane Society)
Houk described it as a race against time to help to jumpers by getting them into the hands of organizations like the KCPRN. She said veterinarians will examine pigs like Gilbert with x-rays to find any non-visible injuries and get ahead of health issues before they become too much for the animals to handle.
“When we catch those things early and can cast, splint, surgically correct right away it prevents them from having severe pain from arthritis later down the line,” Houk said.
Both Houk and Alterman own pigs of their own and agree they are very intelligent and social animals. Alterman said jumpers may not necessarily understand where they are going but escape because they don’t want to remain in the transport trucks.
“They are jumping for their lives,” Alterman said. “They’re removing themselves from a situation they don’t want to be in.”
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Alterman said she encourages people who come across jumpers to bring them to organizations like the LHS or directly to the KCPRN to get the care they require. If people can’t get ahold of a shelter, they can try reaching out to their local animal control office. The LHS will transfer pigs like Gilbert over to the KCPRN which then focuses on finding private homes to care for them.
“I would recommend that people seek expert assistance and whether that is contacting a humane society or rescue, depending on where they live, and also reaching out to a breed-specific or species-specific rescue,” Alterman said. “These piglets are unbelievably cute. You cannot believe just how adorable they are.”
Alterman said she has adopted two pigs, Petunia and Periwinkle, through the KCPRN. She cautions others who are thinking about adopting a pig to consider how big they can get, the right food to give them and the amount of outdoor space they require.
“We want and need people to adopt pigs and keep them as pets instead of a food commodity,” Alterman said. “We’re happy to teach people, both us and KCPRN, to train people.”
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Houk said people can make donations to the KCPRN to help support its mission. You can learn more about the organization and get in touch with it by clicking here.
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