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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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A 400-pound pig named Pork Chop is "doing fine" following his rescue, according to staff at the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.
Placed on a diet after being removed from his owner's home due to concerns about his health, Pork Chop was transferred to the county's care on November 9 when a complaint was received about the owner being evicted from their residence.
Transported to the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control shelter, Pork Chop's condition prompted the initiation of a criminal animal cruelty case. Severely obese, the pig is suffering from a skin condition and has overgrown tusks and hooves, necessitating immediate intervention to address its deteriorating health.
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David Walesky, assistant director at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, expressed concern about the impact of Pork Chop's weight. He told Newsweek: "He has so much fat around his neck that he can't access a normal water trough or water bowl."
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Pork Chop's owner has expressed distress at the removal of her pet pig, despite reports stating that she had been pulled up twice for similar health-related issues in February 2023 and September 2022.
The ideal weight for a pig varies depending on factors such as breed, age, and purpose. Market-weight pigs, typically raised for pork production, are usually slaughtered at around 240 to 270 pounds. By contrast, fully grown pot-bellied pigs, commonly kept as pets, should range between 100 to 250 pounds, making Pork Chop significantly overweight.
Controlled Diet
Animal Care and Control staff have taken immediate action to address Pork Chop's health issues. Walesky said, "He is on a controlled diet here with us, currently free choice hay and 5 cups of grain twice daily for 2 weeks, then reassess."
The pig's previous diet reportedly included human food such as spaghetti and other inappropriate items.
Walesky detailed additional health challenges faced by Pork Chop: "No exercise plan yet, as we need to get his hooves taken care of as the priority. Currently, he steps on his belly when he walks, and those toenails certainly hurt. He has ear infections, needs his tusks trimmed, and his hooves trimmed."
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The obesity and poor hoof care have resulted in Pork Chop walking in an unusual way to manage pain and discomfort. Staff at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control had to get creative to ensure the pig could access water, burying a trough to make it more flush with the ground due to the excess fat around his neck.
Walesky acknowledged that their facility is not the best place for Pork Chop's long-term recovery but assured that they are committed to finding him a suitable home once legally permitted. "He is ok for now, but only for this transitional period," he said.
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