Muse Rescue

Muse, Florida Rescue Under Way
by Lana Hollenback

On April 30, 2004 we received a call from a woman in LaBelle, FL stating she needed some help with a pig problem out in Muse, FL as she didn't know what to do. She stated that there were over 25 to 30 pigs starving to death and dying daily on a farm out there. She refused to tell me where unless I could offer help. We agreed to go assess the situation and I met her on May 3 and drove to the home where the pigs were located. 

Upon arrival we found approximately 36 pigs in deplorable conditions.  It looked as if they hadn't eaten for weeks. Skin over bones and no drinkable water. The woman informed us that when she had first been called to the place, there was not even a pond.  People had dug one but the sides were too deep for the pigs to get down to the water and what water was there was full of algae and slime.  The lady there told us that over 15 had died over the prior four weeks but that she didn't know what to do.  The only people who offered her help, wanted the pigs for their hog dogs and she didn't want them to die that way.

The following day I purchased pools and water hoses and pig food.  Went back and had the lady hook the hoses up and we gave fresh water and fed.  Then went to see what could be done.  We would need a place to hold them until they were healthy again and they needed vet care desperately.  One was so weak it just fell over.  I personally brought that one home, calling a vet on the way to have her meet us at my house.  She didn't think it stood a chance of surviving but we began the long slow process of reviving her.  Today, ten days later, Bella is still not out of the woods but is eating and drinking.

We found three holding places and put together a team of volunteers to go collect the pigs.  The pigs are a mixture of potbellied, farm hogs and wild ferals.  All running together and cross breeding.  None weighing over 70 lbs., if that.  Most under 25 lbs.  All are malnourished and dehydrated.  Many with hernias and/or tumors and covered in parasites.  We are looking at months of rehabilitation for them before we can even begin to spay/neuter and to find forever homes for them.

To date, we have spent over $1500.00 on veterinarian care, food and transportation for these pigs.  But we need your help to finish this project.  We have twelve (12) males that will need to be neutered and twenty-one (21) females who will need to be spayed over the next three months as their health permits.  They also need to be wormed and vaccinated.  For those who will go out of state to sanctuaries, we will need to get them blood tested.  One needs surgery to repair hernia or tumors.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who made this rescue a success and to those who opened up their hearts and homes to them.