A 12-year-old boy from Georgia is grieving after his therapy pig was reportedly killed by three neighbors. This tragic incident occurred when Bootsy, a 400-pound pig that provided emotional support, wandered away from its enclosure on the Cox family’s property, located roughly 80 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Garrett Cox, who has ADHD and autism, is finding it hard to cope following the brutal death of Bootsy. “I miss her so much,” he said while holding a ribbon from a livestock competition, recalling the award-winning pig.
According to Garrett’s parents, Kelly and Matt, they rushed out to find Bootsy after she escaped, only to be met with the sound of gunshots leading them to a nearby home. Upon arriving, they discovered three individuals in aprons and gloves next to a deceased pig and a pot of boiling water, which led them to believe these men were attempting to butcher Bootsy.
“There was a rope with blood next to her body,” Matt mentioned, indicating that Bootsy had been tied up.
Kelly confronted one of the suspects, asking, “Why would you do this? You knew she was our pig,” to which he responded with a laugh, according to reports.
Three individuals—Mai Kia Van Mua, 54, Macy Mua, 59, and Kee Mua, 33—were arrested on charges related to aggravated animal cruelty.
Law enforcement stated that the accused claimed they believed the pigs were wild animals. However, Garrett’s parents argued that Bootsy, who he often fed, bathed, and played with, had livestock ear tags identifying her as a domestic animal.
“This is a person who had a purpose in what he was doing,” Kelly shared, emphasizing the deep bond between her son and Bootsy.
Bootsy and Garrett became friends through Future Farmers of America, and now, the beloved pig is buried in the family’s barn.
Matt described how heartbroken Garrett was, stating, “Of course he started crying.” He added, “It’s been so up and down since then.”
