ASPCA Completes On-Scene Investigation of Hundreds of Deceased Pigs on Abandoned Pennsylvania Farm

November 16, 2010

NEW YORK –The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), at the request of Better Days Animal League, assisted with the documentation and collection of evidence to support an investigation into the death of hundreds of pigs on a farm in Fulton County, Pa.

More than 500 dead pigs were discovered last week on a 218-acre farm in Union Township.  The pigs, most of which were discovered inside the barn, had apparently been abandoned months ago.  No pigs were discovered alive.

The ASPCA arrived at the property last Thursday and spent two days processing the crime scene and collecting materials to support local authorities with the investigation.  The ASPCA has submitted the results of its investigation to the University of Pennsylvania for analysis. 

The Pennsylvania State Police in McConnellsburg is leading the investigation, with assistance from the ASPCA and other agencies including Better Days Animal League, Department of Agriculture, the Humane Society of Lebanon County in Myerstown, Pa., and PIGS Animal Sanctuary in Shepherdstown, W.Va.

“This is a tragic case, and our hope at this point is that the submitted results will reveal exactly what happened to these animals and who should be held accountable,” said Jeff Eyre, the ASPCA’s Northeast Regional Director of Field Investigations and Response.  “We appreciate the diligence of the local authorities and are pleased to be able to lend our professional assistance.”