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Piglet finds new home after rescuer said he was tossed like a football at a Mardi Gras celebration
At a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, three men tossed around what looked like a football — but was a baby pig, according to a bystander. Fortunately, the witness was able to rescue the animal from the situation and now the pig has a new home.
The alleged incident occurred in a park not far from a Mardi Gras parade earlier this month, according to the Humane Society of Louisiana. “The rowdiness, endless parades, and party-like atmosphere often lend themselves to questionable behavior – like how three grown men behaved a few days ago,” the organization’s Executive Director Jeff Dorson posted on Facebook on Monday.
After realizing the men were not throwing a Nerf football, but a small pig, the unidentified bystander “approached the men and asked for custody of the terrified piglet,” Dorson said. They consented and the man and a friend helped get the “frightened” pig to the Humane Society.
The pig was screened at a local animal hospital and a vet tech there decided to foster him, naming him Piglet.
Humane Society of Louisiana
“Let’s also be grateful that this courageous bystander stood up for Piglet. It’s a good reminder for all of us to speak up whenever needed,” Dorson wrote.
Piglet gained attention online and the Human Society began a fundraiser – selling “digital kisses” for him. So far, they’ve raised $1,600 and the proceeds will support the Humane Society in the state.
The organization said dozens of people expressed interested in adopting Piglet, but they decided he will go to State Rep. Lauren Ventrella, who owns and operates her own private farm sanctuary. “How’s that for a happy ending,” Dorson wrote in a post on Tuesday.
CBS News has reached out to the Humane Society of Louisiana, Dorson and Ventrella as well as local police for further information about the incident.
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NEW YORK — Drones have been banned from flying over several New Jersey towns, the Federal Aviation Administration confirms to CBS News.
The FAA order covers nearly two dozen towns, including Jersey City, Harrison, Edison, Bayonne and Camden. It will be in effect until Jan. 17.
The order says no unmanned aircraft can operate below 400 feet within one nautical mile of the airspace specified in each area. Additionally, it allows the government to use “deadly force” against the drones if they pose an “imminent security threat.”
“Pilots of aircraft that do not adhere to the procedures in the national security requirements for aircraft operations contained in this section may be intercepted, and/or detained and interviewed by federal, state, or local law enforcement or other government personnel,” the order reads in part.
Several of the zones are centered around infrastructure, like power substations. Others cover areas like the Kearny, New Jersey port and airspace around military installations like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey, or airports such as Newark-Liberty International Airport.
Earlier this month, the Florham Park, New Jersey police chief told residents drone sightings had been reported above “water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments, and military installations.”
Where are drones banned in New Jersey?
North Jersey:
- Cedar Grove
- Bridgewater
- North Brunswick
- Metuchen
- South Brunswick
- Edison
- Branchburg
- Sewaren
- Jersey City
- Harrison, Essex County
- Elizabeth
- Bayonne
- Clifton
- Kearny
Central Jersey:
South Jersey:
- Burlington
- Evesham
- Camden
- Gloucester City
- Westampton
- Winslow
- Hancocks Bridge, Salem County
See the full order from the FAA here.
Mysterious drones over New Jersey and beyond
Drones sightings have been reported all month long, first over Morris County, New Jersey and then over several other East Coast states.
Federal, state and local officials have been demanding more information about where they are coming from and what’s being done to stop them. The FBI is leading the investigation and tells CBS News it has received thousands of tips.
While the White House says there is no known threat, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking for more federal resources.
On Wednesday, a push from Sen. Chuck Schumer to give local law enforcement more ways to track drones was blocked in the Senate.
Check back soon for the latest updates on this developing story.
contributed to this report.