Behind the squeal: Authorities called to rescue pig

After trying for nearly an hour to rescue a distressed pig, authorites finally saved the bacon.

Bailiffs deputies and other authorities were called to rescue the pot-bellied pig, which was trapped in a hot car outside the Cameron County Courthouse.

The black-and-white piglet had been left behind  while the owner, Ann Beatriz Rodriguez, 18, of Los Fresnos, handled some legal matters inside the building. In the end, officers located Rodriguez and had her unlock the car.

The pig, name unknown, owes a debt of gratitude to bondsman Michael Garza, who spotted the creature while leaving the courthouse and notified authorities.

“I was walking to my car when I heard what I thought was whistling and figured somebody I know was trying to get my attention.” Garza said. “I look and there it was, looking at me through the window. I never thought I would find a pig trapped in a car.”

After noticing that the pig was sweating profusely and looked to be dehydrated, Garza called the Cameron County Bailiffs. At first they thought it was a joke, but once confirming that the pig was indeed in trouble they responded.

“We got a call about cruelty to animals,” said Cameron County Bailiffs deputy Daniel Cruz. “Deputies did respond and found the pig inside a vehicle. The pig was taken out of the vehicle but its body temperature was very high. At this point we let animal control take over.”

Shortly before noon, Rodriguez – having been paged in the courthouse – returned and opened the car. Animal control officers immediately put the pig in an air-conditioned truck and fed it fluids, and later took it to the animal shelter.

“It was very hot inside the vehicle, and the pig’s body temperature was very hot to the touch,” said Cruz, who pulled the animal out of the vehicle. “It seemed like it was having problems breathing.”

Cameron County Constables from Precinct 2 and Bailiff’s deputies took the owner for questioning, while Brownsville animal control officers issued a citation for animal cruelty.

“It is a pet,” Cruz said. “We want to remind people not to leave their pets in their vehicles. It’s hot outside and they can die. (Owners) can be held liable and possibly get arrested for it.”

The temperature outside was in the low 90s, according to meteorologists.

Rodriguez declined comment, though the pig was quite vocal as it was extracted from the car and placed in the animal control vehicle. No translator was available.