Intruder stabs pet pigs

Four petting zoo animals are stabbed or stolen in a night attack.

By CATHERINE E. SHOICHET, Times Staff Writer
Published September 17, 2007

SUN CITY - Big Pig's owners found him lying in his pen, covered with blood and ants Sunday morning. Stab marks surrounded his throat.

Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies dusted for fingerprints around his pen at the Sun City Stables, 4430 U.S. 41 S. But they're still looking for suspects, spokesman J.D. Callaway said.

Someone stabbed the 400-pound pig about 20 times between Saturday night and Sunday morning, owner Cornelia Winn said. Another pig at the petting zoo also was stabbed. And two pigs are missing.

"This was a vicious attack," said Winn, 18, who's kept Big Pig as a pet since he was born at the farm six or seven years ago.

Normally the docile animal cuddles with his owners, she said. He eats horse feed, leftovers and occasionally expired yogurt. He drinks out of Coke bottles.

On Sunday evening, he could barely move. He had eaten only a cracker and a potato chip.

A veterinarian will examine his wounds today, but Winn said she was worried.

"Even with how tough pigs are, he's acting really bad," Winn said. "He won't drink or eat. If he won't do that, then there's no hope he's going to survive."

Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at cshoichet@sptimes.com or 661-2454.

To help

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813 247-8200.

[Last modified September 16, 2007, 23:55:05]