In a heartwarming turn of events in New Orleans, the lieutenant governor extends a symbolic “pardon” to an animal, which is later adopted by a Republican local politician after its rescue.
A piglet, rescued after being tossed like a football near a Mardi Gras event in New Orleans, received a symbolic “pardon” on Wednesday and has now found a permanent home with a Louisiana lawmaker.
The weeks-old pig, affectionately named Earl “Piglet” Long, in homage to the 45th governor of Louisiana, was ceremoniously pardoned by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser on the steps of the Louisiana capitol. Nungesser declared, “He will live out his life without any threat of being thrown like a football or being part of jambalaya or boudin in someone’s kitchen here in Louisiana,” referencing popular dishes containing sausage.
While Mardi Gras festivities often involve the airborne exchange of beads, stuffed animals, and handcrafted souvenirs, pigs are not typically among the items tossed.
Earl’s journey to his new home began when a bystander witnessed men in a park near a Mardi Gras parade tossing what appeared to be a mini-football to each other, accompanied by laughter. Upon closer inspection, the bystander realized it was a piglet being thrown and intervened, asking for custody of the distressed animal. The Humane Society of Louisiana remarked on the incident, highlighting the rowdy nature of Mardi Gras celebrations and the need for responsible behavior.
Expected to grow to 80 pounds (36 kilograms), Earl has been adopted by State Representative Lauren Ventrella and will reside on a farm in the capitol region. Ventrella, a Republican, humorously remarked, “As a Republican, sometimes we like to cut the pork. But, I will tell you, this is the pork we won’t be cutting.”