Two potbelly pigs were found shot in the head at Carrickatuke mountain in Co Armagh on Tuesday, April 7. A local resident discovered them in a pool of blood in an area they used as a bed between Keady and Newtownhamilton.

The resident stated the pigs appeared on the outskirts of the forest about two weeks earlier. She believed they had been abandoned, noting signs that ear tags had been removed. The pigs lived on the edge of private land and caused no issues.

The resident and her grandchildren fed the pigs kitchen scraps during regular visits. They grew fond of the friendly animals.

On the day of the discovery, the granddaughter reminded her granny to feed the pigs. The resident initially thought they were sleeping but saw blood upon closer inspection.

Councillor Brona Haughey learned of the pigs last week. She checked with locals to see if any were missing them and sought an animal welfare charity for rescue if unclaimed.

Haughey avoided public posts online to protect the well-fed pigs until rescue. She contacted the council after their deaths for collection by an external contractor.

Haughey expressed despair over the act against the harmless animals.