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Gallastar is by definition a Therapeutic Riding Center but farm animal rescue has become an important part of what we do and the message that we try to instill – that there is a place of safety and sanctuary for all regardless of where you come from or what you look like.
There was nothing to prepare us for the rescue of 84 potbellied pigs that we embarked upon in July of 2005. The only water was in a filthy pond. When we ran a hose into a dirt encrusted trough, the bigger pigs literally dove in. The animals were literally dying of thirst – the nursing mothers especially. Food consisted of molded bakery goods, not fit for human consumption. Over the years, males had been “culled’ in an effort to control the population that had begun with just two pigs.
Pigs are prolific breeders. Unspayed females face better than even odds of developing painful and often fatal reproductive tumors and diseases. Through a grant from Petsmart Charities and others, we were able to neuter all 14 males and spay 43 of the female pigs.
Over the years, we had heard that small animal rescues and charities considered miniature pigs farm animals and farm animal rescues considered them pets. No one could be expected to help us. Each day as we watch our new friends enjoying their new lives, we are thankful that Petsmart Charities shared our vision and viewed these brave little souls simply as animals in need of assistance.
Lorelei
Afton, VA
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