HAIKU, Hawaii (KHON2) — There is an update in the case of Eddie the pig, the beloved pet who was stolen and killed in 2024 on Maui.
One of the teenagers convicted of the crime just learned his sentence, and some said it is not enough.
A large rally against animal cruelty was held outside the Wailuku courthouse on Wednesday, April 16, that was sparked by a case that outraged the Maui community.
“There was a lot of people, like 150 or something out and people had made signs at home and people had very personal signs, like one person had helped raise him,” said Eddie’s owner, Sarah Haynes. “And it said, ‘You murdered my friend.’”
Prosecutors said two teens trespassed onto Haynes’ property in May 2024, stole Eddie and killed him, trying to pass the well-loved pet off as a wild pig in a local hunting competition.
The act was recorded and shared online, which horrified the community and culminated in Wednesday’s rally at one of the perpetrators’ sentencing.
“I don’t know that it changed anything for Eddie, or for the sentence, but I do think it’s important for prosecutors and judges, especially to know that this community is tired of this animal abuse.”
As part of the judge’s deferred sentence to the no contest plea, the teen was ordered to serve two days in jail with credit for one day served — after that he will be under strict court supervision for four years.
“This is a teenager and we’re hoping that the perpetrator is going to learn something from this situation and that it will change their lives,” said Hawaiian Humane Society community engagement director Steph Kendrick. “But the punishment is still not commensurate to the crime that was done both to this animal and to his family who loved him.”
Animal advocates said Hawaii’s cruelty laws are among the weakest in the nation and they are pushing lawmakers to act — adding there is a silver lining to the fact that one of the perpetrators who killed Eddie will walk out of jail on Thursday.
“He can’t hunt, he can’t own animals. So there is a very strict probation, and I’m really happy with that,” Haynes said. “My hope is that this has been scary enough for him that he’ll make a change and also that other people hear about it.”
“When a pet is harmed, when a pet is stolen and killed, it’s devastating to its family. And I hope this story will give people pause and will encourage better treatment for animals in our community,” Kendrick said.