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Humane Society Hopes Reward Nets Pigs' Killer

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By RAY REYES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2007

PLANT CITY - The stabbing deaths of two local baby show pigs have captured the attention of one of the nation's largest animal protection organizations.

The Humane Society of the United States announced Thursday that it is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in killing and mutilating Rebel and Dixie last weekend.

'I'm very touched to have the support,' said Jamie Farkas, mother of the two 13-year-old girls who were raising the pigs. 'I hope it does some good.'

The reports on the Farkas' plight, along with the nature of the case, prompted the Humane Society to act quickly and offer the reward, said Jen Hobgood, the regional coordinator for the organization's Tallahassee office.

'We're always horrified about cases like this,' Hobgood said.

'It's very tragic. It's a very unusual case.'

The family also is offering a $500 reward. The money was donated by local residents and neighbors, Farkas said.

The 6- to 8-week-old pigs were found dead in their pen Saturday morning by Farkas' daughters, Lindsey and Leann, who went to feed them. Plant City police said someone came onto the property at 1510 S. Alexander St., broke into the locked pen and killed the small animals Oct. 19, sometime after 7:30 p.m. Family members suspect the intruder or intruders also allowed one or more dogs to attack and maul the pigs.

'It was obvious they were tortured and mutilated,' Jamie Farkas said. 'I can't believe anyone would do something like that. My daughters have been traumatized.'

The girls were raising Rebel and Dixie to show at next year's Florida Strawberry Festival.

Although the deaths of the pigs have upset them, Lindsey and Leann intend to keep raising animals to enter in future festivals, Farkas said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.

For information on The Humane Society of the United States and to view the announcement of the reward, visit www.humanesociety.org.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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