The little pot-bellied pig lost in Durham has found a new home

Updated Sept. 14, 2020, at 9:15 p.m.

A young pot-bellied pig found roaming in Durham now has a home after his owner didn’t come forward.

Monday, a pig rescue group bought a pig at an auction for $450, according to video posted on the Durham Sheriff’s Department social media.

“He’s going to live a long happy life,” said Shafonda Davis, executive director of the Animal Protection Society of Durham, which was keeping the pig in a pen just outside its building.

Before the pig went to auction, the animal rescue group had named the pig Messi, having considered other names suggested by the public,including Piggy Smalls, Ernie, Orville, Octor, Wilbur and Mr. Snuggles, Davis said.

“We have been going back and forth as a staff about what to name him,” said Davis last week. “We asked the public if they would help.”

Several pets have been found roaming in Durham over the years: rabbits, goats, ferrets, parakeets, even a green and blue peacock.

Last month, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office found Messie wandering on Craig Road in Durham.

Davis said the sheriff’s office typically knocks on doors to find the owner of a lost pet. The APS of Durham tried using social media.

The APS of Durham could put the pig up for adoption because he is considered livestock, according to state law.

“We really hope whoever comes to the auction has good intentions and will take him to a good home,” Davis said last week.

Davis said Messi is very dog-like.

“He doesn’t freak out about dogs at all,” Davis said. “Very friendly, loves to play with toys, loves to play with people.”

Pigs need proper nutrition and a lot of socialization. “People really need to do their research before adopting or buying a pig as a pet,” Davis said.

The APS of Durham gets at least one pig a year. “You have to keep in mind that Durham still has a lot of rural areas,” she said.

The winner had to pay in cash, show ID and take the animal immediately after the auction.

Davis said Monday that she is happy about the group that won the auction.

This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 3:20 PM.