Escaped pig shot in Door County; Sheriff’s office releases video

DOOR COUNTY, Wisconsin. – The Door County Sheriff’s Office has released video related to the September 20 shooting of a pig that had been on the run for days.

The sheriff’s office said the pig was in the area of ​​State Highways 42/57 and County Highway MM and went undetected for two days.

Saving Snouts, a Kaukauna-based nonprofit animal welfare group, shared a video with FOX6 News last week showing a police officer pointing a gun at the pig. After the person filming moved the camera away, a gunshot was heard.

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In a body-worn camera video released by the sheriff’s office Wednesday, a deputy can be seen speaking with a Saving Snouts volunteer about how to safely capture the pig. The deputy made it clear that the animal may have to be killed under the circumstances.

Sheriff’s office video showed officers pulling up next to the pig, which was lying in the grass next to the road at the time. The officer got out of the squad and fired two shots. He could be heard saying he had to shoot the pig because it had been near the highway and on the road when they arrived.

Saving Snouts director TJ Dercks said they were trying to help the sheriff’s office and were on a trailer when the pig was shot. Officers helped the volunteer move the pig away and the group took custody of the animal to bury it on their land.

Escaped pig sought in Door County (Courtesy: DCSO)

WATCH VIDEOS of the incident on the Door County Sheriff’s Office YouTube channel

Statement from Door County Sheriff Tammy Sternard:

I understand that some may disagree with the actions taken. I will reiterate what I have said before. Law enforcement’s primary responsibility is public safety. Several factors played a role in Deputy Daoust’s decision-making regarding the handling of this incident. Some of the factors were the proximity to the highway, the time of day, the number of times the pig had previously strayed into the path of travel on both of our highways, and the previous unsuccessful attempts by several individuals to secure it. Given the potential danger a large, escaped pig poses to motorists on our roadways, Deputy Daoust’s actions were within policy and justified given the overall situation.

I have spoken with numerous community members over the past few days. Regardless of which side they are on, many have expressed that they hope we can move on and put this incident behind us. Due to the large number of threats to the safety of Sheriff’s Office employees and their families, I have disabled comments on this press release. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This is the final statement I wish to make regarding this incident.