DOOR COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) – Kaukana-based rescue group Saving Snouts was devastated after witnessing a loose pig they had been trying to save in Door County be euthanized by authorities on Friday, September 20, 2024. The pig, affectionately named “Jewel” by rescuers, had been on the run for several days near STH 42/57 and County MM, close to PJ’s Gas Station in the southern part of Door County.
The Door County Sheriff’s Office had made multiple attempts to capture Jewel after receiving several complaints about a pig roaming the area. On September 18, the Sheriff’s Office issued a public appeal for information, asking for the public’s help in locating the pig’s owner and urging caution to those driving in the area.
Despite the efforts of the Sheriff’s Office, along with rescue teams and volunteers from the community, Jewel remained elusive. Saving Snouts, known for their dedication to helping abandoned and abused pigs, had mobilized a team in the hopes of safely rescuing Jewel. They brought in a search dog, a borrowed drone, and a trap with a camera. Neighbors had also been tracking sightings of the pig, while volunteers tried to coax Jewel back to a familiar resting spot with bedtime snacks.
Tragically, on the evening of September 20, Jewel’s story came to a heartbreaking end. In a statement released by Captain Carl Waterstreet of the Door County Sheriff’s Office, it was confirmed that a deputy had “euthanized” the pig. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the decision was made after several failed attempts to capture Jewel, but the incident is under review, with body camera footage and witness reports being analyzed.
The rescue group, however, painted a different picture. A representative from Saving Snouts expressed outrage, accusing the deputy of acting prematurely and disregarding the agreed-upon plan to safely secure Jewel. “He never planned on doing any part of the plan we agreed on,” the representative wrote. “He was simply trying to get us out of his way.”
The rescue’s account of the events described how a trailer had been secured and was on its way, with hopes high for a peaceful resolution. Instead, Jewel was shot in front of horrified bystanders who had gathered, expecting to witness her rescue.
The emotional toll on those involved was profound. Jewel will be buried at the rescue. “I will kiss her snout one last time and apologize to her for garbage humans that exist even though she can’t hear me,” the rescue shared. “Jewel had a team of people dedicated to bringing her here. We wanted her to have the happy ending she deserved.”
The situation has sparked a strong emotional response in the community, with many questioning the handling of the situation by law enforcement. As the investigation unfolds, those who cared about Jewel are left grieving for a life they believe was unnecessarily cut short.
If you would like to donate to support Saving Snouts‘ lifesaving work, please visit this link: https://linktr.ee/savingsnouts
This is a developing story. OnFocus has reached out to the Door County Sheriff’s Department and Saving Snouts for comment.
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Author: News Desk
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