Nunu, the pig that was attacked and shot, is recovering at a private animal sanctuary
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Nunu, the beloved Phoenix pig is recovering well at a private animal sanctuary after surviving a violent assault and gunshot wound that shocked residents in the area, animal rights activists have confirmed.
However, there was urgent need for residents to be conscientised when it comes to the rights of animals. To this end, Stray Paws Animal Rescue and Welfare , an animal rescue and welfare organisation staged a march and picket in Phoenix yesterday to protest against animal cruelty following Nunu's the brutal attack.
The 22-year-old pig, weighing approximately 560kg, was attacked by a group of men on May 9. After being resuscitated and left in the care of residents, he was days later found lying on the road with a gunshot wound on May 13.
Shabnam Baran, founder of Stray Paws Animal Rescue and Welfare said the aim of the march was to draw attention to the rising incidents of animal abuse in the Phoenix area.
"Our message is clear, animal cruelty will not be tolerated. Nunu, a beloved community pig known for his gentle nature, became the victim of a horrific attack. While Nunu’s recovery is a beacon of hope, his story is a painful reminder of the vulnerability of animals in our neighborhoods.
Animals have rights. Many are unaware that animals in South Africa are legally protected, and abusers can face severe consequences," said Baran.
Kerry Janke, a director at SAFE Fostering Network, an animal rescue organisation, said since the attack on May 9, this week was the first time that Nunu got up on his hocks and was thoroughly enjoying digging through his hay, leaf litter and sawdust.
"He is eating and drinking well. He rolls for tummy brushes and grunts when you call his name. Nunu will remain at the private sanctuary.
She explained that Nunu had lived at a scrap yard in Phoenix for 22 years after arriving there as a piglet and had become a familiar and much-loved figure in the community.
"Everyone in the community knew Nunu and loved him. He roamed the community freely, until now. Residents fed him apples and fruit and some residents' children even petted him," said Janke.
She said they were first alerted to Nunu’s condition on May 9 after receiving reports that the pig had been beaten and left on the side of the road.
"Numerous residents from the area were out as well and standing around the pig. We were informed that the pig had been seriously injured from a beating and it appeared that it was paralysed. The SPCA was present and on the phone with the pigs owner. They obtained telephonic permission to euthanise the pig due to the fact that it appeared to be paralysed and suffering.
"We examined the wounds the pig had sustained to its tail and buttocks area, none were close to its spine, or vital organs. None were deep, or bleeding excessively. We then asked if the euthanasia could be halted, while we assessed if the pig was just exhausted from the ordeal and needed time to recover. We requested residents to get us some fruit, and some water with a bit of sugar, which the pig ate and drank readily. We then applied Terramycin spray to his wounds, at which point the pig then stood straight up on all four legs, and began to walk around," she said.
She said they were assured that he would be cared for by his handlers while he recovered from the ordeal.
Despite signs of recovery, Nunu was shot days later.
“Last Wednesday morning we received a call from the police informing us that Nunu was lying in the road and nobody could move him. He had been shot. No one knows who did it. We immediately took him to a veterinarian for treatment,” Janke said.
Caroline Smith, general manager of the Durban and coast SPCA, confirmed that the organisation was compiling a docket to submit to Phoenix SAPS.
"The Durban & Coast SPCA is currently working on compiling a docket to submit to Phoenix SAPS. The suspects' identities are still unknown at this stage, but once the docket is registered, SAPS will investigate the matter further. The SPCA does not have the authority to issue fines," said Smith.
She added that while the SPCA had no prior reports concerning Nunu, he appeared to be well known among residents in the area.