Piggly Wiggly Mascot Pig Shot And Killed

The Piggly Wiggly mascot pig was shot and killed in Meggett, South Carolina. Maggie the pig was “pardoned” by the Piggly Wiggly store three years ago and was living at the LEARN Horse Rescue farm.

Maggie reportedly escaped her pen with a another pig named Peaches. Both pigs were apparently wandering around when the Piggly Wiggly mascot was shot and killed.

As reported by ABC News, Naomi Steed of LEARN was devastated when neighbors called to tell her what happened. Steed released a statement, explaining that Maggie and Peaches broke off a piece of their “pig palace” and escaped. Although they are saddened by her death, Steed explains that Maggie had a “long, happy life.” She referred to the shooter as a “heartless young man.”

As reported by WSOCTV.com, Maggie was shot by 26-year-old David Ashmore. The young man saw the pig standing by the side of the road and went home to get his gun. He returned with his 9mm handgun and shot the pig dead.

Ashmore contends that he shot Maggie because he was worried she would cause an accident on the roadway. He planned to take her to be processed for meat. Ashmore claims that it is common practice in the area. He expressed his regret that he shot the pig that had been pardoned by the Piggly Wiggly store. Ashmore states that if he knew the pig was a pet he would have tied it to a tree until the owner could be found.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office holds Maggie’s owner at least partially responsible as the pig escaped from her enclosure. They are considering possible charges against Ashmore for firearm discharge, but no charges have been filed at this time.

Steed, who was listed as Maggie’s owner, maintains that the Piggly Wiggly mascot was “brutally murdered” when she was shot and killed. She believes that Maggie is in heaven, as “surely all pigs go to heaven.”

[Image via Wikimedia]