TimesLeader.com

October 8
Pigs find the good life

Rescued in July, they’re healthier and at 54 and counting after giving birth.

By Shelby Fisk sfisk@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter/Photographer

Fifty-four and counting: Some of the potbellied pigs rescued from a Meshoppen barn in July have given birth.

These are some of the pigs rescued from a Meshoppen barn. They’re now living in Glenburn, Lackawanna County, and have regained their health and increased in numbers after the birth of piglets.

Shelby Fisk/The Abington Journal

Now all of the pigs are making their home in a Glenburn barn, according to Tina Walter of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County.

Walter said a domestic potbellied pig gestation period lasts three months, three weeks and three days. “We had them for two months, so a lot of them were pregnant before we got them,” Walter said.

She noted some of the pregnant pigs already have given birth and there are more pregnant pigs being held in foster care until they have their piglets.

Walter said all of the pigs are a lot healthier than in July. “They look like normal pigs now,” she said.

Walter plans to file charges against the animals’ owner, Marla Burnham, of Meshoppen, later this week. Walter said she hopes a trial will be held.

“Now that we see what they look like, what they should look like, we don’t want to give them back,” Walter said.

With crews caring for the pigs twice each day, Walter said the 13 stalls in the barn take roughly three hours to maintain.

With the help of local grocery stores Mr. Z’s and Wegmans, donations of fruits and vegetables have been received to feed the pigs.

The humane society uses 20, 50-pound bags of pig food each week. The society also is seeking mini-pig food and good quality hay.

Donations are being accepted at 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Township, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. For information, call 586-3700.