Pet pig started fire that destroyed Butler County home, family says

A Butler County family is now homeless because of a fire that they say was caused by their pet pig.

Thomas and Margaret Painter in Brady Township told WRAL they believe the fire that happened New Year’s Eve started when their pot-bellied pig Albert moved some fresh hay into his heat light on their farm.

“I had added extra hay for him because I knew it was going to snow,” Margaret Painter said to WRAL. “He had a little heat light there in the front, … and he must have knocked his hay into the heat lamp and caught the house on fire.”

The family, along with three cats and the family dog, was able to escape the blaze, but two other cats died in the fire.

As for Albert, 8, he is suffering from smoke inhalation and second and third-degree burns, and had to be sent to Ohio State University’s veterinary clinic to be treated. After about a month, he will be sent to Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch in Darlington Township, Beaver Country.

“He knew how to open and close doors and ring a bell and wave,” Tom Painter said to WRAL. “He had his own TikTok. He was a lot of fun.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the family’s expenses. To date, over $11,000 has been raised.