oh dear….
Police pig mascot ditched after child injured
Oct 10 2006
By Crime Reporter Ben Ashford
POLICE ditched an eight-stone pig as their mascot – after it “went berserk” and fractured a little boy’s arm.
Raging sow Rosie butted the 12-year-old into a wall after he walked into her pen during feeding.
The “attack” came just days before the hog was due to pose for a photo shoot, complete with its own police helmet and vest.
Shocked staff at Vauxhall City Farm lifted the terrified youngster to safety,then took him to hospital where doctors confirmed the fracture.
Well-meaning neighbourhood cops had planned to sponsor Rosie to boost coffers at Vauxhall City Farm.
But the hand-reared animal will now be rehoused at another farm amid fears she is a danger to youngsters.
A farm insider said: “Rosie went berserk when the lad interrupted her dinner. She charged at him, knocking him against a wall and fracturing his arm.
“It was totally unexpected. They got the child out of the pen and he was taken to hospital.
“The incident couldn’t have come at a worse time, days ahead of the photoshoot.”
Bosses at the farm in Tyers Street, Kennington, believe Rosie lashed out because she was startled and felt threatened.
Director John Roberts said: “The poor lad has been very upset about the incident because he liked spending time with Rosie and can’t understand what he did to upset her.
“His mother was worried Rosie would have to be put down – but we’ve reassured them that’s not the case.We believe it very much a one-off and there are no risks to children’s safety.”
The Met are considering plans to sponsor an alternative animal. A spokesman said: “Safer neighbour-hood officers in Kennington had been planning to sponsor a pig as a light-hearted way of engaging with the farm and the young people that attend it.”
* Vauxhall City Farm relies on hard-working volunteers and donations. To find out more about the farm call 020 7582 4204.
