Birmingham Bacon: Pig Captured During East Lake Crime Crackdown

When Birmingham officials launched a crackdown on crime in East Lake, they didn't anticipate bringing home the bacon—literally.

Animal control workers involved in the Safe Streets initiative captured a pig running loose on the streets Thursday.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin posted a statistical update on the Safe Streets initiative today on social media, noting that since Monday, July 8, animal control has captured 10 cats, eight dogs, and one pig.

Wait. A pig?

“Animal control was out dealing with some calls, primarily dogs and cats,” said city spokesman Rick Journey. “While they were out at 76th Street and Division Avenue, a pig just darted out and kept running. You can’t have livestock in the city, so animal control went to catch the pig. They caught the pig.”

The domestic pig weighed about 25 pounds and is believed to be a mix of Potbelly and American Guinea Hog, Journey said.

“The pig was very swift,” he added.

The pig has been taken to a person who does animal rescues. The owner has seven days to claim the pig from animal control. If not claimed, the pig will be adopted.

The plan is for the pig to be adopted and end up in a caring home. After its capture, the animal was given water and an apple and oat treat.

The city’s Safe Streets: East Lake pilot project addresses public safety, code violations, illegal dumping, and animal control.

On Tuesday, Woodfin informed the Birmingham City Council that ShotSpotter detected 2,164 shots fired in 2023 in the East Lake neighborhood. This is part of a litany of crime issues in East Lake that have been out of control, he said.