WINONA, Minn. - A pet pig whose weight tripled while it was in the care of a sitter has been placed on a diet — and an animal cruelty charge has been filed against the caretaker.

The 5-year-old animal, Alaina Templeton, part potbellied pig, has lost 10 percent of her 150 pounds and is recovering well from surgery to remove a collar that had become embedded in her overly fat neck, owner Michelle Schmitz said.

Alaina made headlines last week after Schmitz complained that the pet sitter had allowed Alaina to go from her normal 50 pounds to 150 pounds in just nine months. Schmitz had left Alaina with the sitter, a co-worker, while she was on medical leave to recover from ankle surgery.

Alaina apparently had been foraging for cat food and chicken feed outdoors at the co-worker's farm.

Schmitz said now that her pet is back home, the excess pounds will "melt off" with a healthy diet and exercise. She said she and Alaina's veterinarian consider 50 pounds a more suitable weight for the mixed-breed pig.

A misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty has been filed against Mary Beesecker, 52, of Houston, Minn., Winona County Sheriff David Brand said.

"I want her to be held responsible for what she did and what she didn't do," Schmitz said.

Beesecker did not immediately respond to a call from The Associated Press seeking comment Tuesday, and she has refused requests from The Winona Daily News for an interview.

The pet sitter should get the book thrown at her. Was she to stupid to see the collar was getting tight? Some people have no right to be around animals.

I agree Jimmy.

thats so sad. Everyone should be very carefull on their choices of caretakers for their pets.But Wow 9 months, thats a long time to leave your pet.

9 months.. hmm... why didn't she visit and check up on her beloved pet?

makes no sense.. i was away from Al for 4 days and called at least once a day! if it was 9 months i would want pics if i couldn't visit him and if i could visit him i'd go as often as possible..

Wow, that is some good pet care ... 9 months? We go away shopping for the afternoon and I call the kids ... are the dogs okay, be careful when you take them out, give them each a treat. I could not imagine having to leave my babies for that long.
Tara