Runaway pig rescued in Donegal after large operation

An on-the-run pig was rescued in Donegal Town.

Killian McLaughlin of the Wild Ireland anmal sanctuary in Burnfoot was among those to join with Animals In Need, the Donegal-based charity.

This was one of AIN's more unusual cases with the black pig spotted running around loose near the Health Centre in Donegal Town.

Gardai requested the AIN assistance and volunteers went in an attempt to catch the loose animal.

Initially, the group tried to entice him to a safer area with food in an attempt to keep him away from the busy road nearby.

AIN said: “We then set up a large, humane trap to try to catch him, but when we went back to check on it, he was standing outside it, having a good look, and all we'd caught was a fed-up looking cat.”

Due to the proximity to traffic, the task became a multi-agency job with the Gardaí, the ISPCA, Bluestack Vets, Old Church Vets and McLaughlin all joining AIN in the endeavour.

Eventially, the pig was secured when McLaughlin used a dart gun to sedate him, under guidance from Nick, a vet from Old Church Vets, and Kevin McGinley, an Inspector from the ISPCA.

“Thankfully, the pig was none the worse for giving us all the run around,” AIN said.

“It was all down to collaboration, with rescues and professional organisations working together, which was great to be a part of.”

The pig was subsequently transported safely into the care of the ISPCA.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc, please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com.

To help AIN’s animals, please donate €2 to AIN’s ‘Help Us To Help Them’ fundraising appeal via your phone by texting the word ‘KITTEN’ to 50300. Every last cent goes directly to the rescued animals for their food, bedding, vet bills, worming treatment and vaccinations.