The NC Nightmare  (update at the bottom for Feb 2003)                                       

March 3,2001  Marshall, NC

95 pigs abandoned

  Karen Koonz, a collector/breeder of these pigs was taking them in under the guise of being a sanctuary.

 She and her husband have been charged with animal cruelty.  95 counted plus many late pregnancies;

all open females and most full boars.

The full news story can be read here. (click)

more news here

Most of these pigs were found housed inside a home, with garbage and filth and little place to do much but climb

all over each other. In appalling health with hog mange and birth defects at unbelievable levels, pigs were removed

to Animal Haven in Asheville, a 501C3 animal rescue and the required blood work for interstate travel was  

completed by the NC dept of Ag.

Shepherd’s Green, a 501C3 Pig Sanctuary in Tennessee, with the help of Pigs As Pets in Florida

and Pigpals of NC,  is coordinating the relocation of these pigs with Animal Haven in Asheville.

 Currently approx 15 are being held as evidence for the cruelty case. The balance have been released.

          The good news is that through the efforts of the pig sanctuaries across the country and private

 adoptions we think we are going to be able to get them ALL to safety. This is nothing short of a miracle.

All sanctuaries that are taking pigs are verified by others within our community as being safe places to place pigs

and all private adoptions must pass our rigid on site home checks before adopting.

          We began the pickups Mar 13 (10 adults plus 5 newborns) and loads were moved every few days

to the University of Tennessee large Animal Hospital And to Ragland and Riley Vet clinic in

Livingston Tennessee. Many of these pigs were suffering from malnutrition and other effects of neglect.

 Many are young pigs with serious growth problems and cataracts. We are feeding them Mazuri Youth diet

plus Heartland Piggy cookies and a little dab of Survival Plus and hoping that with the proper nutrition they

will be able to reverse some of the damage to their young bodies.

               Early complications of pigs giving birth, and pigs with health problems beyond the expected have complicated the

rescue logistics and slowed the placements, as well as driving the costs up. But the generous contributions of several

 national animal welfare organizations and a few committed individuals has made this gift of life possible.

          We have had donations from University Vet Schools of needed antibiotics, vaccines and wormers,

as well as donations of supplies and a private raffle being provided by Heartland Supply.  

Update: Feb 2003

Its not over. While most of the pigs have new homes and are thriving. the news has come in that the remaining 15 being held as evidence are now 13 and they have had 5 babies born. The case goes to court in early March with only one charge left to be heard and that is for Blossom, the pig who was given sanctuary and then so badly deteriorated in the care given her. Blossom is here now and doing very well.. she is a delightful sunny personality despite her crippled leg. She has gained about 60 pounds since arriving and regained a lot of mobility since being put into he Special Care regimen and given a special diet and Adequan for her leg problems. She is a very special girl.

We hope that the rest of the pigs will be released to Animal Haven  so that we can get them safely vetted and moved into permanent homes. The risk that they may be returned to Karen and her husband to breed and suffer the same abuse again is very real. You may want to contact Barbara at Animal Haven AHA@main.nc.us to see what you can do to help prevent that from happening. Or contact Rbellpilot@Aol.com and Linda can tell you who to contact directly at the DA's office.

I thank all of you who made this rescue possible. I had no idea that we could all network so closely and well.. and be able to do so much.. first the NC rescue, then right on its heels the LaBelle rescue in Florida. Nearly 200 pigs safely re-homed ..

Because you cared.

Update August 2003

The balance have been released and are being vetted for eventual transport to their final homes.

And so to this rescue, we can say

THE END