The Animal Justice Party Aotearoa New Zealand (AJP) is
working with supporters, animal sanctuaries, including
Helping You Help Animals (HUHA), and members of the public
in an urgent effort to locate and rescue the pig sold at a
Tararua District Council auction this week.
The pig
was found wandering on State Highway 2 and was impounded by
the Tararua District Council. After remaining unclaimed, he
was sold at public auction for $320. According to media
reports, the successful purchaser intends to slaughter him
after his bruises heal.
The story has prompted
widespread public concern, with many questioning why an
animal who survived escaping and captured the hearts of New
Zealanders now faces being killed.
After raising
concerns on their Facebook page about the way the story was
reported, AJP has been inundated with messages from people
wanting to help. The Party says the article was insensitive,
reducing a frightened, sentient individual to entertainment
through jokes about “bringing home the bacon” and “hamming
up the bidding”, while treating his likely death as a
light-hearted ending rather than a tragedy.
While the
public discussion has continued online, Party committee
members have been working behind the scenes to contact the
Council, animal organisations and community networks in an
effort to locate the pig and ask the new owner whether they
would consider allowing the animal to be rehomed to a
sanctuary.
This is not unfamiliar work for AJP
committee members. Many regularly volunteer their own time
rescuing and advocating for animals across New Zealand.
Alongside that practical work, they are involved with AJP
because they believe lasting change also requires better
laws and policies that reflect the values of compassionate
communities.
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“The response from the community has been
overwhelming,” said Party Co-Leader Danette Wereta. “People
saw an individual who fought to stay alive, not a commodity.
They want compassion to be the ending to this
story.”
The Party says the issue extends beyond one
pig. It highlights how society continues to treat some
animals as individuals worthy of care, while others are
viewed primarily for their economic value.
If the
purchaser is willing to give the pig a second chance, AJP
will coordinate a community fundraising effort to cover the
costs of securing his freedom, transport to sanctuary,
veterinary care, desexing, and his ongoing food and
care.
AJP remains hopeful that, with the support of
the community, a humane outcome can still be
achieved.
About the Animal Justice Party Aotearoa
NZ
AJP was registered in August 2023.
AJP is a
political party dedicated to advocating for the rights,
welfare, and protection of animals. Their mission is to
create a society where animals are treated with respect,
compassion, and consideration. Through active participation
in the political landscape, they aim to drive policy changes
that reflect their commitment to a more ethical and
sustainable
future.
