Townsend Police Respond to Boar Attacks at Local Farm

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Respond to Boar Attacks at Local Farm

Woman Hurt, Man Critically Injured in Separate Incidents

TOWNSEND — Police Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the Townsend Police Department and Townsend Fire-EMS this evening responded to a report of a man attacked by a male pig at a local farm hours after the same pig attacked and wounded a woman.

Townsend Police and Fire-EMS responded to 188 Fitchburg Road first at 5:52 p.m. for a report of an injured woman. Upon arrival, first responders found a 38-year-old woman with lacerations on her body from an apparent pig attack. Townsend Police and EMS personnel rendered first aid, and the victim was transported to Leominster Hospital for further treatment.

Then at 7:29 p.m., rescuers were called to the same location for a report of a man who had received more serious injuries from the same animal.

Police, Fire, and EMS personnel arrived to find a 50-year-old man with very serious injuries.

Due to the nature of the victim’s injuries, a medical helicopter was requested, however the weather conditions made this impossible. The victim was transported by Townsend EMS to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with life-threatening injuries.

The animal, an adult boar, or male pig, has been quarantined pending further evaluation on Wednesday by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, State Veterinarian, Animal Rescue League and Townsend Animal Control.

“The Townsend Police Department is investigating two very unfortunate farm incidents involving an animal attacking two people in the same day,” Chief Eaton said. “We will be working closely with our partners in the animal control and veterinary world to determine the best course of action.”

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