Firefighters who rescued eighteen piglets from a blaze have been given them back as a thank you – as SAUSAGES.
The baby pigs and two sows were saved from a certain death when the barn they were living in went up in flames in February.
But now six months they were handed them back as organic bangers – which they cooked on a barbecue.
Grateful farmer Rachel Rivers promised the emergency services that she would give them the special sausages as a gift.
Fre crews had extinguished the blaze at Lawn Farm, Milton Lilbourne, near Pewsey, Wilts.
And a photo posted on Twitter showed the heroic fire crews relaxing as they cooked the sausages on a disposable BBQ.
Rachel said: “This was just a token gesture to the fire service. They were over the moon with them.
“This is just what we do – we are not an animal sanctuary. We give the pigs the best opportunity and the best life they could have for six months.
“They won’t be kept inside, they are outdoors and fed with organic food which is grown on the farm.”
The eighteen piglets – which were just two weeks old when firefighters saved their bacon – were turned into sausages after being fattened up for six months.
Rachel added: “At the time I told them I would give them the sausages.”
Fire crews from Pewsey and Marlborough dashed to Lawn Farm, which Rachel manages along with husband Andy.
At the time, Pewsey watch manager Mark Hillier said: “When we arrived at the scene shortly before 10pm, half of the barn was on fire, with the pigs sheltering in the corner on the other side.
“The tough bit was getting towards it and then to free the pigs. Once they were clear, we took a defensive approach to keep the situation under control and then let the fire burn itself out.”
However, some social media users reacted with disgust to the gesture.
Farrell Monaco wrote: “What a dreadful story. Lovely that they saved the pigs but why publish their demise? Grim.”
And Pearl-Lucia Sayer wrote: “Jesus could she not just say thanks! What’s wrong with a box of Roses? FFS what a horrible story to start the day.”
However, others said it was just the nature of the farming world.
Matthew Thomas Crisafi said: “Horrible. But normal. Pigs die everyday make bacon and sausages. The firefighters were only rescuing stock not lives. I wonder how many of y’all are vegetarian.
“Why is an animal cute and cuddly until it’s on your plate as mince? Odd.”
