Police: hogs found in deplorable conditions on illegal farm

VIRGINIA -- Virginia Beach police have started a criminal investigation into an illegal hog farm they found Tuesday on city property in the 2800 block of Salem Road, officers said.

According to police, more than 100 hogs of different ages were living in deplorable conditions. It was not clear how long they had been there.

 

 

The Animal Enforcement Unit started caring for the animals this week and worked to relocate them Thursday. It was a messy job, as officers in protective suits put the hogs on trailers.

A city spokesperson said the land the hogs were on was purchased as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program years ago to ensure that Naval Air Station Oceana would continue operating without encroachment.

The city does not know how the hogs got there, the spokesperson said.

Police have not said anything about any pending charges in this case.

(WAVY - Dec 31, 2015)