Rebecca Westergaard Obituary, Death; – An investigation is currently underway following the tragic death of a 75-year-old woman from Ohio, who was reportedly attacked and consumed by her neighbor’s pigs on Christmas Day.
Pataskala Police Chief Bruce Brooks informed the Columbus Dispatch on Monday that it remains uncertain whether any criminal charges will be filed in this case, which he described as a “horrible, horrible situation.”
Authorities were initially dispatched to conduct a welfare check on Rebecca Westergaard, 75, after she failed to arrive at her niece’s residence in Norton, located just outside Akron, and her family was unable to contact her. Upon arriving at Westergaard’s home, police discovered her deceased on her property, in proximity to her residence.
Brooks indicated that he could not disclose many specifics due to the ongoing investigation, but confirmed that the two pigs involved in the attack belonged to her neighbor. The identity of the neighbor has not been made public, and Brooks noted that it is still uncertain whether they will face any criminal repercussions, as the aggressive animals are classified as livestock rather than domestic pets.
“If it were a pit bull or a Rottweiler, or any of the other 15 breeds considered semi-aggressive, we would have a clear answer immediately,” he stated. “However, since these are farm animals, it is a situation we have not encountered before.”
Brooks mentioned that the police are in consultation with the Licking County Prosecutors’ Office and will provide further updates once the autopsy for Westergaard is completed, which is expected to take four to six weeks.
