A Baby Pig Rescued From Being Thrown Like A Football At Mardi Gras Has Found A Forever Home

Piglet is being adopted by none other than State Representative Lauren Ventrella.

A Good Samaritan stepped in at a Carnival parade during Mardi Gras celebrations this past week to rescue a baby pig that was being cruelly tossed around by three men like a football.

Hearing terrified little squeals, the brave young man demanded custody of the pig—estimated by veterinarians to be just weeks old—and took the frightened creature to safety with a foster mom. She named him “Piglet” and turned him over to the Humane Society.

Piglet was examined at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital and has been thankfully confirmed healthy and injury-free after the traumatizing incident. At the hospital, he was able to get his vaccinations and decompress.

The Humane Society put out a video and press release about Piglet’s rescue. To raise money for his care, they offered up “Digital Kisses” from the baby pig for five dollars through a Facebook fundraiser. Four days later, the community has rallied to raise $1395 for Piglet’s medical support and “yummy treats and meals,” the fundraising page says. Piglet even made it on the news!

“We are grateful that Piglet was removed from such a harsh environment and is now enjoying the comfort of a safe and secure space, which we hope that every animal gets to experience while on our planet,” said Humane Society of Louisiana Executive Director and Founder Jeff Dorson. “We are equally grateful to the dozens of people who donated toward his medical care and the thousands who viewed our brief video.” The fundraising page continued, “Let's also be grateful that this courageous bystander stood up for Piglet. It's a good reminder for all of us to speak up whenever needed.”

Piglet—expected to grow to about 80 pounds—was being fostered by a vet tech from the Metairie Small Animal Hospital and has recently secured an exciting new home with District 65 (Baton Rouge) State Representative Lauren Ventrella. Rep. Ventrella, who saw the news about Piglet online, is a long-time animal advocate and owns a farm sanctuary, Dorson shared. The Humane Society of Louisiana is planning a formal presentation in two weeks to complete Piglet's adoption process right on the steps of the State Capitol.

"I run a 14-acre farm we have affectionately dubbed 'The Futile Farm,'" Rep. Ventrella shared. "When I heard Piglet’s story and his plight as a mistaken Mardi Gras throw, I knew he belonged on my farm and that he deserved a better life. We have one pig, 11-year-old Winston, who will be getting a little brother. Piglet’s story is a good reminder to always be kind, even to the least of these."

We’re grateful that this little one was rescued and are wishing him the best at his new home in the farm sanctuary—a happy ending all around!

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