FORGET IT COPPER I'M NO SQUEALER: Runaway Pet Pig Caught By Police

This is the moment police bring home the bacon after a runaway pig is returned to its owners.

The young porker had been spotted wandering through backyards in Tampa, Florida State, USA, when locals called the police.

Footage obtained from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shows the pig being carried by an officer and put in the back of a pickup truck on 3rd January.

The grinning officer then laughs: "One pig in custody."

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Sunday, 8th January: "On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, deputies responded to the 5500 block of Fulmar Drive in Tampa after receiving a call from a concerned resident regarding a loose pig in the area.

"When deputies arrived, they saw the pig wandering around several yards, often nearing the roadway.

"Neighbors told deputies they believed the pig belonged to a nearby resident, and that he somehow managed to escape.

"Deputies carefully approached the pig, in an attempt to secure the animal safely. After several minutes, Deputy Berona picked up the pig and placed the animal on the back of the HCSO patrol vehicle.

"Shortly after catching the pig, Deputy Berona and Deputy Dale located the owner who was extremely grateful for the return of her pet."

Sheriff Chad Chronister said: “It’s great when our deputies can bring a smile to a citizen’s face,”

He added: “This is what our agency is all about, we are here to serve our community, no matter what the call for service is. I’m grateful to our deputies for handling this incident with such care and compassion."