BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana Illuminator) – The Long family of Louisiana added an honorary new member, Count Piglet Long, on Wednesday.
Earl Piglet Long, formerly known by the pseudonym “Piglet,” was pardoned Wednesday by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol. As first reported by The Advocate | The Advocate, the creature was rescued by a good Samaritan who noticed it being thrown like a soccer ball at a Mardi Gras parade. Times-Picayune.
Mr. Long will spend the rest of his days at a farm in West Baton Rouge owned by Rep. Lauren Ventrella, R-Greenwell Springs. Mr. Ventrella's farm is also home to many other animals, including sheep, goats, miniature donkeys, horses, a 100-year-old tortoise named Eugene, a cow named Norman, and a pig named Winston.
“I ran to be an advocate for everyone, even the least,” Ventrella said. “As Republicans here, we sometimes feel like cutting pork. But let me tell you, this is pork we don't cut.”
Nungesser read a formal proclamation created in the piglet's honor and said his duties include pardoning Louisiana's beloved wildlife from time to time, which most recently included crawfish. He pointed out that
“[Piglet will] Live your life without the risk of being thrown around like a soccer ball or becoming part of jambalaya or boudin in someone's kitchen,” Nungesser said.
Earl P. Long is named after legendary Governor Earl K. Long, the younger brother of Governor Huey P. Long. Both left behind a legacy of populism and strong personalities, often making outlandish speeches and remarks to the press. In that spirit, the piglet shrieked throughout its time in the spotlight.
Earl P. Long did not take questions from the media, but he affectionately pressed a reporter's hand under his nose.
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