161 pigs removed from property - West Perth, ON

Thursday, Jun 1, 2006

An investigation is ongoing following the removal of 187 pigs from two properties in the Municipality of West Perth on June, 1, 2006 including a 650-pound boar and numerous piglets a week or less in age.

Responding to a complaint, Ontario SPCA investigators executed search warrants at properties on Line 39 and Line 49. At the Line 39 property an Ontario SPCA investigator discovered 161 pigs in unsanitary and inadequate conditions including mold-covered surfaces, pigs without dry bedding, pigs without water, access to open pits which would cause fallen pigs to drown; and some young pigs without a heat source (baby pigs demand the most heat of any young domestic livestock, requiring temperatures of about 35°C for the first three days, then dropping to 29°C over a three-week period). Dead pigs were also found on the site.

An additional 26 pigs were found at the Line 49 property in very unsanitary conditions including four to six inches of manure. The pigs were thin and the barn was infested with rats.
On the written recommendation of a swine specialist veterinarian all the pigs at both locations were removed immediately in order for the Ontario SPCA to relieve their immediate distress and provide the necessary care.

Subject to the results of the investigation charges may be laid at a later date.
To make a donation to the Ontario SPCA call Cathy at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722)
extension 322.

References

• OSPCA - June 2, 2006

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