Summer ‘Pig-nic’ raises funds for pig rescue
Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue recently claimed the 80 pigs removed from a Rostraver Township home last month.
As the court case tied to the rescue of more than 80 pigs from a condemned Rostraver Township property awaits its next hearing, supporters gathered Saturday at Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue in Frazer Township to help pay for the animals’ recovery during the sanctuary’s Summer Pig-nic fundraiser.
About 40 people attended the event, which raised approximately $1,500 to help care for the pigs rescued from the Rostraver Township property, according to sanctuary co-founder Blue Martin. Proceeds are expected to cover several spay and neuter procedures for the newly rescued animals.
The fundraiser comes as the case against property owner Wendi Kraemer, who also uses the last name Garza, continues through the court system.
Kraemer’s preliminary hearing on a public nuisance charge, originally set for July 13, was granted a continuance at the request of the defense to allow time for additional discovery and pending veterinary reports related to the investigation that could lead to additional charges.
It was later rescheduled for Sept. 14 and has since been moved again to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5 before Magisterial District Judge John Christner in Rostraver Township.
The Summer Pig-nic featured a vegan cookout, guided tours of the 25-acre sanctuary and opportunities for visitors to pet and feed many of the pigs.
Martin led the tours while her husband, Zack Robinson, prepared the food.
The sanctuary has taken on significant expenses since accepting the majority of the pigs removed from the Rostraver property during what rescue leaders dubbed “Operation Squeal City.”
Martin said the organization has spent about $6,000 on fencing to quarantine the new arrivals and another $11,000 on shelters. The new buildings still need insulation before winter arrives.
Veterinary costs also remain substantial, with spaying and neutering procedures ranging from $250 to $500 per pig.
Food and medication expenses continue as rescuers care for the animals, several of which remain in quarantine with a pig-borne illness, Martin told TribLive.
Before the rescue, the sanctuary cared for about 50 pigs.
It more than doubled its population after authorities removed more than 80 pigs from Kraemer’s property in June.
Ten pigs were transferred to Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch, while 37 were placed in foster homes. About 40 remain at the sanctuary.
Martin told visitors the rescued pigs have already shown significant improvement.
“They are much calmer now,” she told TribLive. “(They) would scream and fight all of the time. They would hurt each other.”
She credited veterinary care, including assistance from local veterinarians and Ohio State University, with improving the pigs’ behavior through spaying and neutering.
Martin said pigs can live 15 to 20 years if they are fixed.
Since opening in 2016, Pigsburgh Squealers Rescue has saved more than 430 pigs.
The Rostraver rescue marked the largest in the sanctuary’s history.
The rescue effort began after Rostraver Township police investigated complaints of a rat infestation near Kraemer’s property along Route 51.
Officers described finding severe filth and unsanitary conditions before animal welfare organizations removed more than 80 pigs, along with dozens of cats and several dogs.
Prosecutors have said they are awaiting veterinary reports that could determine whether additional animal neglect charges will be filed.
The sanctuary continues to host several public events each month at its 130 Lampus Lane property.
The next tours are scheduled for Aug. 8.
Rescue leaders also plan to participate in Pittsburgh VegFest on Aug. 1 and host a drag queen bingo fundraiser Aug. 22 at the Springdale Veterans Association.
TribLive contributed to this story.
