Crime & Safety
Pigging Out Puts Potbelly Pig At Nearly 200 Pounds
Animal cruelty charges are expected for the woman who let Maybelle get bit too piggy.
DEDHAM, MA — A potbelly pig couldn't keep from pigging out. Now it's nearly 200 pounds and in the care of the Animal Rescue League.
Maybelle the Pig has been at the Animal Rescue League in Dedham for the last six weeks following a police investigation into a complaint at a Billerica home. Police tell the Lowell Sun that the pig had to be removed from the house due to the excessive weight gain from too much food and a stationary lifestyle.
The pig is supposed to weigh about 100-110 pounds, but when Maybelle was carried into the ARL's Dedham shelter, she was 80 pounds overweight and struggling to stand or open her eyes. (Subscribe to your nearby Patch for local, usually non-pig-related news.)
Find out what's happening in Dedhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Now, she is on a diet of small meals and vegetable in an effort to bring her weight down. Officials say that will take nine to 12 months.
Find out what's happening in Dedhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The pig's owner, Megan Caterino of Billerica, said she was watching the pig for a friend, but it's the third pig to be taken from her home. She is expected to face animal cruelty charges.
Once Maybelle loses the weight, she will be put up for adoption.
Image via Animal Rescue League Boston
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
