On Saturday, April 29, 2023, a Villager reported sighting a drove of 10 or 11 pigs roaming loose in the Village. Witnesses reported acts of aggression and damage to common property was observed.
A combination of six Village Police and Animal Control Officers answered the call and surrounded the animals on common property on Lindura Way, abutting the Balboa Golf Course, directly between two homes.
Assistance was requested from local sheriffs to determine if a missing pig report was made. Also, Arkansas Game and Fish and area farmers were contacted for advice on the containment of the pigs. After officers diligently restrained the pigs for four hours on common property, the pigs showed signs of agitation and attempted to break the containment line. As the efforts to locate the owner or obtain outside assistance were unsuccessful, it was determined the pigs were likely domesticated pigs that had become feral. Officers made the decision to put the animals down in as humane a manner as possible.
Charles Brown, Director of Compliance and Contract Manager, oversees HSV Animal Control. Brown said, “To our knowledge, there are two more pigs at large, and we ask anyone seeing them to call the Police Department with a location. We have had reports of the pigs being aggressive, so do not attempt to get close to them. We will work with the individual now claiming ownership for the recovery of the animals.”
“We find this incident extremely unfortunate and certainly would have preferred another outcome. We hope to be able to get the two hogs at large back to the owner without incident,” stated Brown.
A POA representative has contacted Mr. Cesar Mendoza, who later claimed ownership of the untagged and unmarked pigs.
Click here to read, “Feral Swine Threats, Diseases and Other Risks.”
By Cheryl Dowden
‘Likely domesticated pigs that went feral’ don’t allow anyone to contain them at all. Is Mr. Brown familiar with compliance to state law? Apparently eating a petunia is a sign of aggression. Being ‘contained’ for 4 hours is not management, an the idea these ‘were feral’ was born of fear not fact.
Feral pigs cannot be contained, or stand still when you aire and slaughter. Feral pigs have king snots, a lot of hair, and TAKE MONTHS to become feral after an escape from a domesticated environment. Just because there is an omission of the facts does not mean there are not facts that could be obtained and provided.
Like: what sort of catastrophic dama age and threat to life was observed? What are the state laws for escaped livestock in AR and were they followed? What happened to the carcasses? What credentials does the person who authorized the trigger pulling have that determines if the pigs were feral -or NOT? Where are the statements from witnesses who saw there were no signs of aggression? – and there are plenty.
How about printing the facts about feral hogs and the science behind how domestic pigs become feral and how long it takes? Help educate!
1) no one should be able to get close to a feral hog. Don’t try!
2) there are big differences in look and behavior of domestic pigs and feral ones.
3) State laws apply to the Village; what are they and were they followed?
4) perhaps interviewing the farmer to understand he cared about his animals and accidents happen.
5) how about using our public broadcast system (next door, your paper, urgent email by POA) to help assist with containment and impounding by people who are educated about these matters and willing to step in – and I don’t mean with a gun!
This is not to say there is not a feral pig issue – there is! They are nasty and destructive and by the way – a manmade problem because you know, fun to hunt. It’s now manifested itself into a nightmare.
This circumstance is a different issue altogether and should not be confused with a wild and dangerous hog issue. We need to acknowledge this was wrong and we need to do better.
Are the police and animal welfare folks reviewing their policies and looking at laws or are they just back slapping and loading their guns for the next infestation of goats, or cows – or even feral chickens which do exist.
You are totally correct. I think that HSV will continue to head down this path because everything in the HSV Operating Procedures refers to a Department and thinking of Animal Control.Animal Control, on its own,is a philosophy akin to a early 20th century dog pound. Animals bring disease and are harmful to humans and if caught, they should be swiftly eradicated. There are no rights for the animals and death is acceptable. HSV needs to get real and at least adopt a Animal Services mentality. Animal Services would have taken more time and the rules would have included the rights of animals. This nomenclature matters and HSV does not need this type of publicity for any reason. Get out of the dark ages!
I totally agree with you Nancy , there is much more to this story . This was a gross miscalculation on behalf of the authorities that decided to have target practice on domestic pigs owned by a local farmer. Will the farmer be reimbursed for his property? Doubtful. Will the authorities do anything to acknowledge their responsibility? Doubtful. I expect better from HSV .
Wow! How unfortunately, however you have to mark your animals. Please keep us informed if the the other two are captured.
Thank you for letting us know!
Cheryl
Did any of the larger farm/livestock animals have any ear tags for owner identification purposes?
Tsk tsk tsk!