OPP Rescues Lost Pig on Highway 401

Jul 04, 2023

OPP Officers Play "Piggyback" to Rescue Adorable Wayward Pig, Preventing a "Ham-bulance" Situation

In a heartwarming and amusing incident, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) recently made headlines when they rescued a wandering pig discovered along Highway 401 in Maitland, Ontario.

The quick-thinking officers not only ensured the pig's safety but also delighted social media users with their pun-filled updates.

On Sunday morning of the Canada Day long weekend, a vigilant driver spotted the lost pig along the busy highway and promptly alerted the authorities.

OPP Constable Dave Holmes revealed that two officers, Provincial Constables Moore and Callighen, arrived at the scene equipped with rope and a leash to keep the pig away from the danger of passing vehicles.

In a playful tweet, the OPP recounted their rescue mission, jokingly mentioning that the pig suffered from "ham-nesia" as it couldn't reveal its origins.

The officers cleverly avoided the need for a "ham-bulance" by providing the little pig with a "piggyback ride" to safety.

OPP-Original-Tweets

Initially, Const. Holmes had planned to take care of the pig until a permanent home could be found. However, in a surprising turn of events, a fellow OPP officer came forward and offered to "re-rescue" the adorable pig, ensuring its continued well-being.

The heartening incident captivated social media users and garnered attention from animal lovers across the province. The OPP's lighthearted approach to the rescue mission brought a smile to many faces, highlighting the caring nature of the police force.

This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of the compassion and dedication displayed by law enforcement officers, even in unconventional situations.

The OPP's commitment to ensuring the safety of all creatures, great and small, is commendable and showcases their willingness to go the extra mile. This is not the first time the OPP has assisted in rescuring livestock from farms in Ontario.

Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.