There are just some calls you don’t get in the city. Sheriff’s Deputies rolled out to Blue Run County Road after a frustrated homeowner reported his neighbor’s pigs were tearing up his yard.
The caller said he’d already tried talking with the pig owners, who claimed they were using a solar-powered underground fence to keep the animals contained. But the fence wasn’t doing the trick, and the man now says he’s facing the expensive job of re-sodding about an acre of his property.
Deputies spoke with the pig owner, who was told the animals must be kept secured. If the problem continues, she could be cited.
The Hog Problem
Loose pigs aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause serious damage. Rooting pigs dig up grass, gardens, and even soft ground under patios or driveways. Their hooves can churn up soil, tear through sod, and leave behind muddy wallows. For a homeowner, it’s not just unsightly; it can cost thousands to repair landscaping.
About Those Solar Fences
The pig owner had installed a solar-powered underground fence, a system that uses an electrified wire buried beneath the ground to create a barrier. The pig wears a collar that delivers a mild shock when it gets too close to the boundary.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require running electrical lines.
- Environmentally friendly, powered by the sun.
- Keeps pastures looking cleaner than above-ground fencing.
Cons:
- Animals can be stubborn, and pigs are strong diggers. If they’re determined, they may push through.
- Solar power isn’t always reliable in long stretches of cloudy weather.
- Collars can fail—or get rooted off—leaving no deterrent.
Bottom Line
Fencing or no fencing, pig owners are legally responsible for keeping their livestock contained. As this Blue Run homeowner learned, when pigs go roaming, it’s not just mud they leave behind, it can be a major property headache.