JULY 31, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Food for thought
(Marco De Luca)
Fertile farming land in Melbourne’s outer suburbs is under threat from urban sprawl. And, according to a new report, if population continues to boom at its current pace, Melbourne’s foodbowl will no longer be able to feed the city. Bacchus Marsh-based farmer Nick Dellios says this close proximity of urban development to prime agricultural land is taking its toll on farmers. ■ Full story: Page 5
LATEISHA PROVENZANO
Starved pigs rescued Wildlife rescuers fear three pigs and a piglet found in the Wombat State Forest near Bullengarook last week had been dumped. Five Freedoms Animal Rescue’s Manfred Zabinskas came across two of the pigs while attending a call-out to help an injured joey on July 22. He said the pigs were “desperate for food” and in a horrible condition. Mr Zabinskas called his partner, Helen Round and asked her to bring food for the pigs, while he made arrangements for them to be
taken to animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission to be treated and rehabilitated. A passing motorist alerted the couple to another pig and piglet he had found injured nearby. The sow had suffered a serious foot injury and was covered in blood and unable to stand. Ms Round said she was concerned the pigs had been neglected before being dumped. They were infested with mange, lice and ticks. “The were emaciated …” she said. “With the harsh weather they wouldn’t have survived [in the forest]. They would have died of exposure.”
CONCRETE, GARDEN SUPPLIES & SKIP HIRE
Ms Round said it wasn’t unusual to come across pigs in the forest, with people often dumping pigs there so they can be hunted later. However, she did not believe this was to be the fate of these pigs which she described as friendly. “There were lovely, friendly pigs and up for pats,” Ms Round said. “They were obviously loved by someone once before. “I want people to know that there are things you can do. You don’t have to dump them. The could have been handed over to the RSPCA.” Anyone with information about the pigs is urged to contact the RSPCA.
ERS DRIV ED WANT SUNSHINE 1 Midway Lane 9312 1356
Two of the pigs found in the Wombat State Forest. (Supplied)
‘Variety Bash!’
SOUTH MORANG Danaher Drive 9437 6937
MELTON 19 Collins Rd 9743 8101
12383499-CG14-18
By Laura Michell