For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

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

Update from Townsend Police Regarding Tuesday Evening’s Farm Incidents

TOWNSEND — Police Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the man who was seriously injured after being attacked by a pig on his family farm Tuesday evening has been upgraded to stable condition and is expected to survive.

The Townsend Police Department is meeting with Townsend Animal Control Warden Mary Letourneau, the Animal Rescue League, the Massachusetts State Veterinarian, a local veterinarian and the Massachusetts State Animal Inspector to conduct an investigation into the incident.

After conferring with these authorities and the owner of the pig, the decision has been made to euthanize the animal and conduct a test for rabies. The rabies test is being performed out of an abundance of caution.

Townsend Police and Fire-EMS first responded to 188 Fitchburg Road at 5:52 p.m. Tuesday after the boar reportedly attacked and scratched a 38-year-old woman who was treated and released from a local hospital. Hours later, first responders were called back to the farm after the pig attacked a 50-year-old man, the husband of the original victim, and left him with significant injuries and blood loss.

Thankfully, a passing good Samaritan helped render aid to the victim, and rescuers were able to arrive quickly to transport the victim to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

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