In 1870, there was a problem with pigs roaming the streets of Galway. They were causing a nuisance and soiling the streets to such a degree that by February 1871 a sanitary committee was formed by the Town Commissioners to combat the problem. The committee included a number of magistrates and some leading gentlemen of the town – and it seems that war was declared on the pigs. The committee issued warnings for people to either sell off their pigs or keep them under control.
For many people the pigs were a good financial investment, easy to feed and could be kept in a small area. The committee proposals didn’t go down well with these people. They vetted their anger by placing posters on the Weigh-House at Eyre Square, warning the committee not to interfere with the pigs. There was also the menacing image of a coffin on the posters. In addition, letters were received by several committee members with similar warnings. The Night Watch men (local security service) were employed by the Town Commissioners, failed to notice the posters. There was a suspicion that the Night Watch had seen the posters but failed to remove them. The constabulary were called into action and pulled down the posters. The Commissioners informed the public that the abusive posters and letters were in the hands of the police, and it was only a matter of time before the culprits faced the magistrates they had threatened.