This poor pig continues to suffer while authorities try to figure out whether or not they can do anything about it

TEXAS -- Former Jasper County Sheriff Billy Rowles, who is temporarily serving as Constable in south Newton County, said on Tuesday that he is continuing to investigate a possible case of animal cruelty in the Deweyville area, and he plans to meet with Newton County District Attorney Courtney Tracy on Thursday.

The investigation began over the weekend when concerned neighbors notified the Newton County Sheriff’s Department and complained of dogs being allowed to attack and mutilate a hog, reportedly as a way to train the dogs to hunt wild hogs.

 KJAS News received photos showing the hog - still alive - with both ears completely torn off, and severe injuries on its head down to its neck, after the dogs and the hog were kept in the same enclosure.

The incident reportedly occurred at a residence on County Road 4154, in an area known as the River Oaks Community.

Deputies responded to the home on Sunday, but were unable to make contact with the homeowner. According to Rowles, he has run into the same problem, and it’s his understanding that the owner is out of state.

[So get a warrant to seize the pig! This isn't rocket science, boys!]

Rowles said he counted 8-10 dogs on the property, but they were unable to reach the injured animal while he was there.

Rowles said the hog is definitely suffering and moving very little.

According to Rowles, the law regarding animal cruelty does not cover wild animals, and it appears that the animal in question was a wild hog that was captured. However, Rowles said his interpretation of the law leads him to believe that if a wild animal is captured and then placed into a domesticated setting with food and water, that animal is then protected under the law as a domesticated animal.

Rowles said he’ll discuss that and other factors of the case with the district attorney to get her opinion.

[And the pig continues to suffer.]

(KJAS - July 16, 2014)

Earlier:

• Why is this animal cruelty to a domestic hog but perfectly legal on a wild hog?