In a heartwarming moment of serendipity, a tiny piglet wandering along a quiet road in Nottinghamshire found herself plucked from danger by someone uniquely qualified to help. Carly Knott, an animal lover with a home full of rescued pigs, was returning from the airport in the early hours of 11 July when she spotted the piglet walking alone near the village of Bothamsall. The story, reported by BBC News, has resonated with readers for its uplifting reminder of compassion and quick thinking.
Knott and her friend were driving when they noticed the piglet strolling casually along the road. It was a surprising sight at any time, let alone in the early morning darkness. Fortunately for the piglet, Knott has firsthand experience with pigs—she and her husband care for 22 rescue pigs on their smallholding. This familiarity proved vital in what could have been a tragic moment. Knott quickly stopped the car, turned on the hazard lights, and managed to scoop up the piglet just before a motorbike and two cars sped past.
“As soon as we got hold of her and I had her in my arms, a motorbike and two cars sped past,” Knott told the BBC. “It was so lucky. I’m almost certain she would have been hit by something at some point.” The piglet, now named Felicity, was taken home to Knott’s husband, who was understandably surprised by the new arrival. Given Felicity’s breed—a commercial white pig bred for meat production—Knott knew she would eventually grow to a considerable size and would need more space than their smallholding could provide.
Felicity was soon transferred to Brinsley Animal Rescue, a sanctuary in Nottinghamshire dedicated to caring for rescued farm animals. There, she joined a growing family of animals with their own remarkable backstories, including a blind cow named Gracie and another pig, Jemima, who had also escaped a grim fate. Jemima was born on the back of a slaughter lorry and fell off onto a dual carriageway, where she was found and rescued. One day, Felicity and Jemima will live together, a pair of escape artists whose lives were changed by a twist of fate and the kindness of strangers.
Jon Beresford, co-founder of Brinsley Animal Rescue, described Felicity’s adjustment to her new environment with warmth and admiration. At just five weeks old, she is currently being hand-reared and spends much of her time in a stable. Still, she’s already showing signs of confidence and curiosity. “She just runs around, and she’s so brave she will go up to all the animals, she’ll go up to the ponies, she’ll go up to the cows,” Beresford said. “Being young she spends a lot of time sleeping, so we let her out and she’ll run around, have a mad half hour and go barmy, and then fall asleep.”
Felicity’s story is a poignant example of how chance encounters can lead to life-altering outcomes. The fact that she was found by someone who not only recognized the danger but also had the skills and resources to intervene is remarkable. Knott named the piglet Felicity, derived from the Latin word “felicitas,” meaning lucky or fortunate—a name that now seems perfectly fitting. “She’s definitely lucky, isn’t she?” Knott reflected.
For those unfamiliar with the intelligence and emotional depth of pigs, Beresford offered some insight. “Pigs are absolutely incredible creatures,” he said. “They say pigs are—after dolphins and chimpanzees—the most intelligent animal.” Felicity, like Jemima before her, has been spared from the fate typical of commercial pigs. Instead of a short life in the meat industry, she will grow up in safety, surrounded by other rescued animals and cared for by people who value her life.
I found this detail striking: Felicity’s rescue wasn’t just a matter of luck, but of timing, awareness, and compassion. It’s a powerful reminder that everyday actions—like paying attention to the road or being willing to stop—can have extraordinary consequences. Animal rescue stories often highlight dramatic recoveries or large-scale operations, but this quiet roadside moment underscores the impact of individual kindness.
At Brinsley Animal Rescue, Felicity’s future looks bright. She’ll have room to grow, companionship from animals like Jemima, and the freedom to express her natural behaviors—something rarely afforded to pigs bred for commercial purposes. The sanctuary continues to provide a safe haven for animals in need, supported by the efforts of people like Knott who recognize the value of every life, no matter how small or unexpected the encounter.
Felicity’s journey from a lonely road to a loving sanctuary has touched many, not only because of its happy ending but because it illustrates how compassion and preparedness can intersect in powerful ways. For those who care about animal welfare, rescue stories like this one serve as both inspiration and affirmation that every effort counts, and sometimes, being in the right place at the right time can save a life.
