These little piggies went to market in Williams Lake
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Photos of three pigs roaming the parking lot at WalMart made the rounds on social media Monday afternoon (Oct. 1).
Thanks to Facebook, the owners of the pigs were quickly alerted, and headed to the parking lot straight away. “At around 3:00pm, we started getting calls from the general public, from Walmart and from Winners,” said Williams Lake and District BCSPCA Manager, Elizabeth Dighton. Elizabeth suggested the callers reach out to the stockyards, who are experts with livestock, whereas the BCSPCA generally deals more with dogs and cats. When no one could be reached at the stockyards, Elizabeth sprang into action.
WATCH: This trio of pigs oinked their way through a shopping centre parking lot. (Video Credit: Contributed / Donna Pollock Racette)
“I was lucky to have access to my truck and horse trailer today,” she said, adding that isn’t always the case. Elizabeth arrived at the pigs’ location about the same time as the owner, and the City of Williams Lake By-Law Officer. Also at the scene, was a well-trained 4-H alumnus who assisted with the wrangling. “We had brought some chloroplast boards with us,” explained Elizabeth. Using those boards, pallets, cardboard pieces and sign boards, a group of 6-7 people calmly created a path to the awaiting trailer. “It has been my experience that the slower and calmer you operate with most livestock, the faster you get things done.”
“I’ve dealt with pigs-out calls before, but not right in town,” the Williams Lake BCSPCA Manager smiled. She delivered the pigs to their home, safe and sound. The pigs hadn’t wandered far from their home, and were only out for a short time.
Other than being a bit chilly on the hands, Elizabeth said, the call was an interesting break from her paperwork.
