Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 25, 1995 TAG: 9507250061
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium
The portly porker has been accused of attacking a neighbor and is being run out of town by the Norfolk Bureau of Animal Control.
Pinky made headlines last November after animal control officers accused her owner, Virginia Hudgins, of overfeeding her. The pig was briefly confiscated, and Hudgins was charged with cruelty.
Hudgins soon regained custody, but a judge told her the pig had to slim down to 100 pounds. Pinky was placed on a court-approved diet and since has lived a relatively tranquil life.
Until last week, that is, when Terra Lynn Bragg came to visit Hudgins' sons.
``I didn't even know the kids were going to bring company home,'' Hudgins said. ``I was asleep.''
Bragg said, ``Pinky was letting me pet her and hug on her and even let me pet her belly.'' She said the pig bit at her only when she sat down next to one of the children and started playing with the child. ``Pinky was just trying to protect the boys,'' she said.
Bragg has scrapes and bruises along one arm and shoulder but insists she has no interest in seeing Pinky punished. She didn't file a complaint.
When she went to have her injury checked, however, animal control officials were notified. On Friday, they gave Hudgins a week to get rid of Pinky.
``I don't know what to do at this point,'' Hudgins said. ``I'm emotionally and physically worn out.''
Still, she says she'll fight.
``She's a happy pig,'' Hudgins said. ``Her tail wags all the time. She's lazy and she likes to eat. It's not like she's some killer pig.''
by CNB