Hog caught in North Carolina

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, NC / Facebook

I imagine when most kids dream of becoming a police officer, they envision a life of chasing bad guys, helping their communities, and dealing with some very difficult situations. But like every other job I’ve had, you think you’re signing up for one role, and in reality, there are a myriad of different things to deal with. Sometimes these encounters are silly and quick, while others are just… goofy. The crew on duty at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina certainly encountered the latter this week. the people I recently reported that the Sheriff’s Office shared a funny call it received about handling a rather unusual break-in.

It wasn’t an armed robber in the house, but a piggy thief who was craving some snacks. The pig, named Penelope, was caught breaking into a house in the Ellenboro area. According to a social media post shared by deputies, “Penelope showed no fear, the utmost confidence, and appeared to be motivated by finding snacks. After a brief standoff involving a bunch of firecrackers and some very questionable negotiations, deputies were successful in getting the suspect subject to surrender.”

The pig was taken into “nursery” with little resistance and was taken to Rutherford County Animal Control Services, run by Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, authorities said. They were able to locate the owners, and “no court date” is still pending.

“Moments like this remind us that community policing isn’t always lights and sirens. Sometimes it’s patience. Sometimes it’s laughter. Sometimes it’s arresting a pig for breaking and entering,” the deputies wrote in the post.

Officers noted that children at the scene found the incident funny, as did people online in the comments section of the post.

“I’m complaining. I bet getting bacon in the car wasn’t a pig deal. We love our police officers. They go where they’re needed,” one commenter quipped.

“I knew my ex had bench warrants. He’s two days late for Valentine’s Day, but thanks for the community service,” another person joked.

“Have the MP’s ears stopped ringing yet? I’ve had pet pigs. They take great offense to getting things done and restraint of any kind. They’re loud,” another person sympathized.

Overall, the incident was a nice reminder that no matter what the day throws your way, there is a way to deal with it.