Pigsburgh Squealers animal rescue makes us proud to be from Pittsburgh

TARENTUM, Pa. — In our city we all know about the Pittsburgh Steelers, but how about the Pigsburgh Squealers? They are a local animal rescue that makes us proud to be from Pittsburgh. Just 45 minutes outside the steel city is a farm located in Tarentum. It’s home to a variety of pigs rescued from around the region.

“I became known as the pig lady, which is a compliment,” said Blue Martin. “So people started contacting me with issues or concerns about pigs who’ve been dropped off at the side of the road.”

Here they are given a second chance with founder and executive director Blue Martin. She’s had 150 pigs come to her rescue in the last four years. Here she nurses them back to health, socializes them and get them back into living homes.

Martin says many people don’t realize what they are in for when getting a pet pig.

“People get them and they get overwhelmed,” said Martin. “But often it’s not the size. That’s the issue. It’s just the commitment. They are very, very smart creatures. It’s like having a three-year-old human child for the rest of their life.”

The one-of-a-kind rescue also educates the public about these friendly animals by hosting events like pig yoga to get people to connect.

“We certainly fill a spot for people who want to meet a pig in person,” said Martin. “A lot of city people or like me who’s from the suburbs have never met a pig before.” It is changing the perception of what many think of when they see this typical barnyard animal.

The Pigsburgh Squealers make us proud to be from Pittsburgh. If you would like to meet one of these pigs or visit the farm, you can as the group hosts a summer pig-nic on Saturday August 28th. There will be food, farm tours and watermelon smashing. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the farm at 130 Lampus Lane, Tarentum PA. Tickets are between $15 and $20.

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