OVER 160 POT-BELLIED PIGS RESCUED IN EAST COUNTY

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

Photo,left: Several of the rescued pigs

May 21, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 160 pot-bellied pigs, many with medical needs, have been rescued from an owner in the Blossom Valley community in unincorporated El Cajon. 

As of May 19, the pigs were being cared for in two secure locations that asked that their locations not be disclosed. On May 13, ECM visited one of the sanctuaries that is providing care including proper nutrition, medical and socialization in hopes that these future pets may be adoptable in three or four months.

How did this begin? A post on Nextdoor, a community social media site, was seen by animal activist Katie Miller. The post indicated that a neighbor was concerned about pigs dying, screaming pigs, and a lack of response by code enforcement and animal control.

According to Miller, “I like to help out with animals in my community and raised my hand and stepped up.”  Miller contacted the owner, Pamela Westover, and was invited to Westover's house and tried to help out.

“There were many suffering from mange,” said Miller, who voiced concern that pigs might be slaughtered if fines were imposed that could not be paid.  So Miller contacted pot bellied pig rescues and set into motion the eventual surrender of over 160 pigs by Westover.

Photo, right: Pig afflicted mange, a painful skin condition causing hair loss

Now the pigs are living in safety and making the long journey to recovery. ECM visited one of the sanctuaries and witnessed  non-socialized pigs, some suffering from mange or worms; all were underweight in size and weight.

ECM reached out to Pamela Westover via Next Door on May 13^th; and offered to interview her in a public setting. She initially she agreed, stating, “Okay, let’s meet.” But after 6 days, she did not follow up on a  meeting. She was advised that the story would be published.

Photo, left: Animal activist  Katie Miller

Miller had concerns over why County Animal Services, which is run by the San Diego Humane Society, did not intervene earlier, though animal abuse and neglect  is against the law. Eventually, the situation resulted in a code enforcement case.

Miller believes that as long as pigs had a little food and water, the pigs would have stayed at Westover residence. “Can animal services really take in over 160 pigs at one time?” “she asked. “Who else can enforce abuse if Animal Services will not?”

On May 18^th; ECM contacted animals services and was directed to the assistant director and a voice message was left but no response was received.

The estimated cost to care for the ailing pigs will be approximately $50,000, according to the rescue organizations that took in the pigs.

Here are some ways you can help.

Volunteers are needed.  To volunteer, contact erin@pebbleranch.com

Donations are also sought. 

1. The donate button on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/snoutsofsedona
2. Zelle: snoutsofsedona@yahoo.com
3. Venmo: @snoutsofsedona
4. Paypal https://paypal.me/snoutsofsedona?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US or snoutsofsedona

All of these donation links can be found on the main Snouts of Sedona webpage at http://www.snoutsofsedona.org