Stanley FryeBy: Jordan Onwiler
A 37-year-old Virginia man is charged with animal cruelty after police say he left over 200 pigs in a sweltering semi Tuesday in North Platte.
Semi driver Stanley Frye, Bristol, Va., was arrested for abandonment or cruel neglect to livestock after leaving 225 pigs in a broken down semi in 95-degree heat while he waited for the parts to fix it.
Frye, who was taking the pigs from Iowa to California, was making repairs to the semi when police and animal control officers approached him Tuesday on South Bend Road around 1 p.m. He told police the semi-trailer had been parked since about 9 a.m. that morning, and that he was waiting for a part to be delivered to fix it.
Due to the heat, little air movement and no water, the North Platte Fire Department was called out to attempt to cool the pigs down with water. Pigs have inadequate sweat glands and need help to stay cool.
The semi was eventually repaired and the pigs were taken to the Lincoln County Fair Grounds to be cared for. Dr. Rick Keeten, of the North Platte Vet Clinic, and members of the Lincoln County Fair Board aided in the care of the pigs.
One pig has since died, according to police. Efforts are being made to determine where the pigs are to go next.
Frye was also cited for driving under suspension and at least one other carrier violation. He was released Wednesday afternoon around 2 p.m. after posting 10 percent of his $5,000 bond.
Lincoln County Court is allowing the pigs to be released to continue transport later Wednesday evening. They are on their way to Jim's Farms Meat in Winton, Calif.
