Nunu the pig.
Image: Supplied
An animal rescue organisation has appealed for assistance to build a pen for “Nunu,” the 800kg pig, after a group of men assaulted him on Saturday.
In the video footage shared on social media, the group repeatedly struck Nunu with belts and kicked him.
Prem Balram, the head of Reaction Unit South Africa, said members were dispatched to Eastbury Drive after receiving reports of animal cruelty.
Upon arrival, reaction officers found Nunu lying alongside the roadway and the alleged perpetrators had already fled.
“Residents in the area informed officers that approximately five males were allegedly seen assaulting the animal for unknown reasons.”
Kerry Janke, a director of Safe, an animal rescue non-profit company and public benefit organisation, said they received a call from the Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment for assistance.
“We were informed that the pig had been attacked and that the perpetrators wanted to eat him. When we arrived, the very large animal, well over 800kg, was lying on the side of the road. We found out that this old boy is a beloved member of the community, and his name is Nunu. He has roamed the area for well over 10 years and belongs to the scrap yard, where he has been raised since he was a piglet.
“Everyone was concerned he was paralysed as he had not moved. We gave him a good once-over, and although there were surface wounds around his tail and buttocks, they were not life-threatening. We knew he was just exhausted and needed some time, food and water. The community came to the aid with water, bowls and some fruit. He ate but still did not get up.
“We then decided to spray his rear end with Teramycin to treat the surface wounds, and well, it obviously had a bit of a sting to it, because a very grumpy pig stood up and let us know how unimpressed he was with us for waking him up, and that he was just fine,” she said.
Janke said they were now appealing for assistance to build Nunu a pen.
“Obviously, times are changing, and Nunu needs a safe place in his own property to keep him from his beloved wandering spots and to keep him out of trouble. When we returned to the site for a follow-up, we found Nunu and his handler on the side of the road across from his home. He was asleep in a large puddle of water and mud, doing what pigs do. We offered him some treats, and he woke up, got to his feet and ate with relish.
“We have measured the spot that has been allocated for Nunu and we need to put in fencing, cement in poles, and a gate. We would also love a pool liner so we could create a mud area for Nunu to cool off in, and coat his very pink skin.
“We are also physically checking on the ‘old man’ every day, and giving him food just to make sure, and he is doing very well. If anyone has a fruit and vegetable shop, and has any over-ripe fruit or vegetables that they can donate on an ongoing basis, we would be so grateful,” she said.
For more information on how you can assist, contact Janke on 081 564 1649.