In an unusual break from their standard day of duty, Cobb County police officers found themselves engaged in a high-stakes pursuit of a different kind on Tuesday. Officers Long, Fortner, Anaya, and Lt. Cronin responded to reports of Oreo, a local runaway pig, according to a Facebook post by the Cobb County Police Department. They used a variety of treats, including dog bones and carrots, as per a video from the department that has been circulating on the social media platform.
The eight-second clip that has garnered attention, shows one of the officers enticing Oreo with a snack while coaxing the pig to "come here." The video has since been viewed over 49,000 times, according to USA Today. The light-hearted operation concluded successfully with the pig being returned to its owner. The police department's Facebook post humorously acknowledged they were ready for an onslaught of 'pig' jokes that could follow their social media update, as per FOX 5 Atlanta.
Incidents involving escaped livestock like Oreo seem to have become a recurring theme. About six months prior, a hefty 450-pound pig named Kevin Bacon also famously jettisoned his pen. His escapade required the temptation of apples, tomatoes, carrots, marshmallows, and Oreo cookies to nudge him back home, as noted by USA TODAY. Kevin Bacon's adventure included a layover at Jack Molgaard's back door, where the pig feasted on snacks provided by Molgaard's wife before being coaxed back to his lodgings.
Oreo is neither the first nor likely the last pig to make a bid for freedom, perhaps indicating a slice of daily farm life in the suburbs. Kevin Bacon's owner suggested that his pig's escapade was sparked by a quest for companionship. Local law enforcement's willingness to engage in these unexpected duties has showcased a lighter side to their work and provided some measure of celebrity for the wandering animals they’ve helped secure.
