New Jersey police officers recently had to tackle a 200-pound runaway pot-bellied pig named Pumba after the hefty hog managed to escape from a farm in Gloucester County. The officers were able to catch the porky escapee and transport him back to the farm, with pictures of the incident being shared on the Washington Township Police Department’s Facebook page. Pumba had snuck out through an open gate on Friday, prompting the police response to capture the roaming pig.
The Washington Township Police Department’s post on Facebook announced that Pumba had been safely returned to his farm thanks to the efforts of officers Marc Wolfe, Frank Cicalese, and Victor Rossi. The department noted that a small child had left the pasture gates open, leading to Pumba’s escape. Pumba’s owner, Jay, was surprised that his pig had managed to get loose, only finding out when a neighbor informed him that the pig was on Facebook. Jay mentioned that he had just seen Pumba in the yard half an hour earlier and was shocked to hear of the escape.
The next day, Pumba was spotted hobbling through traffic in town near local establishments like a Mattress Firm outlet and The Village Pub, prompting a search by police officers. Jay adopted Pumba about eight years ago and brought him home to his farm, where he lives with a horse and a couple of chickens. Despite the pig’s escape, Jay continues to care for Pumba and let him live his life out on the farm, interacting with him regularly. It was revealed that Jay’s 2-year-old grandson, who lives next door, must have forgotten to close the gate, leading to Pumba’s escape.
After the eventful escape and capture, Pumba is back home slopping around as pigs do, much to the relief of his owner. The incident became a humorous story in the local community, with the police officers earning praise for their efforts in capturing the hefty hog. Pumba’s adventure and subsequent return to the farm highlights the unique relationships that can exist between humans and their animal companions, showcasing the care and concern that owners have for their pets, even when they happen to be a 200-pound pig. Overall, the tale of Pumba’s escape and capture serves as a lighthearted reminder of the unexpected events that can unfold in rural communities.
