Real-time care and adoption impact
A live look at how many pigs still need homes, and how much feed this operation has already required since intake began.
Pigs still waiting for a home
Every safe placement opens the door for another life to move forward.
Feed used since intake began
This has required a lot of resources to care for these neglected animals.
What was uncovered was HORRIFIC!
Now the crisis has shifted, and hundreds of lives depend on what happens next.
We Are In Phase 2:
Veterinary Care & Adoption
Open your home or sanctuary to a pig in need and be part of their next chapter toward safety and stability.
If you own a farm and want to use these animals for food, please do not contact us, as we are an animal rescue and not a farm operation.
Join the rescue effort and support hands-on care, logistics, and coordination during this critical operation in North Carolina.
Help us provide urgent food, water, veterinary care, and safe transport for pigs in need right now.
All Donations Managed by Ziggy’s Refuge
What Happened In Morganton, North Carolina?
Horrid & Heartbreaking
Hoarding Property
This is an active field rescue involving animals that were taken in beyond what the property could realistically support. As numbers grew, daily care became harder to maintain, and the animals began to suffer from a lack of resources, space, and medical oversight.
Our teams and partner organizations are working to stabilize the situation, assess each pig, and move them safely into proper care as quickly and responsibly as possible.
No Reproductive Care
Terrible Conditions
Conditions on the property created serious welfare concerns. Fencing was not secure, allowing pigs to breed unchecked, and many females remain unspayed while males are unneutered. Several mothers are already heavily pregnant, and more pregnancies are expected.
Overcrowding and lack of separation between herds increased stress and health risks. Some pigs require immediate veterinary attention, and animals in urgent need are being transported to veterinary spaces as fast as logistics allow.
Animals Are Starving
Limited Food & Water
Food and water access have been critically limited. More than 162 pigs were left with only a small amount of feed, with just a few bags available when teams arrived. Water systems on the property were not functioning, and emergency water delivery from the fire department has been necessary to keep animals hydrated.
It is unclear how long consistent water access was unavailable, and some pigs may have relied only on rainwater for periods of time. Rescue teams are now working to stabilize feeding schedules and ensure safe, reliable hydration for every animal on site.
Organizational Partners
Ziggy’s Refuge Farm Sanctuary
Central Donation & Staging Location Partner
Cotton Branch Refuge Project
Logistics & Project Management Partner
Red Feather Equine Sanctuary
Property Stabilization & Staging Location Partner
Eastern Snouts
Transport & Adoption Coordination Partner
Rise of the Pig
Volunteer & Adoption Coordination Partner
Animal Haven of Asheville
Property Stabilization Partner
Farmshire Animal Sanctuary
Property Stabilization Partner
Our Plan
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We are a collective of experienced nonprofit farm animal rescue organizations working together to respond to a large-scale hoarding situation.
Over the past two decades, our teams have helped manage some of the most complex pig rescues in the country, bringing hands-on knowledge, veterinary partnerships, and a strong national rescue network. By combining our resources and experience, we are focused on protecting every animal involved and preventing further loss of life through coordinated, responsible action.
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Our first priority is stabilization. All work is being done in compliance with North Carolina regulations regarding testing, biosecurity, and the movement of animals across county and state lines.
Once the pigs are stabilized at the property and cleared by the appropriate regulatory bodies, they will be transported to a temporary staging location. This space will provide clean conditions, consistent food and water access, and immediate veterinary care. Reproductive care, deworming, and strict separation from outside animals will be the first steps in recovery.
The location will remain undisclosed to protect the animals, the rescue teams, and the integrity of the operation.
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After veterinary care and stabilization, the focus shifts to placement. We are calling on experienced pig sanctuaries, rescue organizations, and qualified adopters across the country who can safely welcome these animals.
Transport is available throughout the continental United States through our trusted network.
Some pigs will require intensive medical support, while others will need reproductive care and time to decompress. Ages and sizes vary widely, so a range of placement options is needed. As commitments are secured, animals will be moved quickly and responsibly into their next safe environments. This effort requires national collaboration, and time is limited as we work to secure safe outcomes for every pig involved.
Partner Updates
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Total Contributions to Date: $125,335.83
We have successfully reached our first fundraising milestone of $75,000, which allows us to begin this critical work. Thank you for your support.
Our next fundraising goal is $150,000, which will help us continue veterinary care.
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We need volunteers every day at our Staging Location in the Greensboro Metro Area!
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We need adopters NOW! If you can open up your home or rescue to these babies, please fill out an adoption application!
Most Important Need
🚨 Donations & Adoptions 🚨