'Definitely owned and cared for' pig found wandering in Bridgeland backyard

The Calgary Humane Society says they got an odd delivery on Thursday, when apig found roaming in a Bridgeland backyard was brought into the shelter.

Sage Pullen McIntosh, manager of communications for the Calgary Humane Society, saidthey do get pigs from time to time.

"Kind of an unusual find," she said, adding that the woman who found the malepig brought him to a vet before he was transported to the shelter.

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Pullen McIntosh said the animal is approximately four months old, around 16 kilograms (but expected to get much, much bigger)and was found wearing a blue harness. She said they suspect he's domesticated.

"Definitely was owned and cared for by someone and we're certainly hoping thatthey're able to find him because I'm sure they're missing him," said Pullen McIntosh.

According to City of Calgary's responsible pet ownership bylaw, livestock are not generally allowed to be kept within city limits.

"We're hoping that someone maybe had him outside the city and they just traveled in and he got away," said Pullen McIntosh.

But some exceptions to the city's bylaw do exist.

The City can allow certain livestock to be kept as emotional support animalsif a mental health professional has determined that wouldprovide a benefit to the person with a disability.

Permit holders would thenhave to provide a letter from a health-care professional and ensure they can meet guidelines for the animal's care.

Pullen McIntosh said the humane society isnot yet sure if the pig is an emotional support animal, thoughit appears he was trained walk on a leash.

"Certainly a companion type pig," she said.

The pig won't be available for adoption yet. The shelter will keep him on hold while theytryto find hisowner.

"He seems to be very friendly, very comfortable," she said. "We've got him set up in a nice, big space, and giving him lots of toys and making sure he gets lots of love and attention."

If no one comes forward, the organization said it will try to place the pig with an adoptive family outside the city, as per the bylaw.

Anyone with information about the rogue pig is asked to contact the Calgary Humane Society at403-723-6025.

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