Cricket fan to be counseled over pig-smuggling

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) An Australian cricket fan who allegedly smuggled a pig into a Brisbane sports ground during a test against England has agreed to undergo mediation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals.

David Gunn, 33, was charged with animal cruelty after the pig was sneaked into the Gabba ground with its snout taped shut and disguised as a baby.

Gunn was found holding the 10-12 -kilogram (26-pound) domestic brown dwarf pig, named Ash, in a baby harness on the first day of the first Ashes test in November.

Police did not oppose the decision of the Brisbane Magistrates Court to send the case to mediation, as CCTV footage showed Gunn was not in possession of the pig when he entered the ground.

Ash was distressed and dehydrated when examined by a veterinarian following the ordeal. He has since made a full recovery and is leading a pleasant life on a large property in Brisbane, RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said.

"If we were asked to participate in mediation I'd probably get one of our vets to come along and explain to the person just what stress and suffering their stupidity caused," Beatty said.