Pig statue swiped

(Austin, Minnesota-AP) -- Police in Austin, Minnesota, are looking for "pignappers."<br><br>The city is preparing to place concrete pig statues around town-- an idea borrowed from last summer's "Cows

Thursday, May 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Austin, Minnesota-AP) -- Police in Austin, Minnesota, are looking for "pignappers."

The city is preparing to place concrete pig statues around town-- an idea borrowed from last summer's "Cows on Parade" promotion
in Chicago.

Sponsorships are being sold for the two-foot-high, 400-pound pigs, which will be decorated by their new owners.

This morning, employees of an Austin company (Alpha Orthodonics) reported to work to find that someone had taken their pig from in front of the business.

Members of the Austin Chamber of Commerce pay 500 dollars for their pigs.

Organizers say they hope the campaign draws attention to Austin -- which is the home of Hormel Foods Corporation, maker of Spam
luncheon meat.