Council Considers Rules for Keeping Homes Fit for Pigs

Owners of pot-bellied pigs will be able to keep their pet porkers at home legally if the City Council today decides to adopt new regulations for the animals.

The issue moved to the council after code-enforcement officers in June responded to a complaint about the odor of a pig owned by Cher Houston.

Officers ordered Houston to remove her pet pig, Mu Shu, from her single-family home, citing a city code that prohibits pigs and other farm animals on properties smaller than an acre. In July, Houston asked the council to consider regulations that would allow people on smaller properties to keep pot-bellied pigs.

Code-enforcement officials are recommending that the city keep its ordinance. The officials said research from animal welfare groups has shown that many pot-bellied pigs end up being abandoned and there is inadequate shelter for the unwanted pets.

The pigs also pose health and safety hazards and, because of their size, can pose a risk to small children, said John Poole, city code enforcement manager. The tusks on male pigs and potentially aggressive behavior are also concerns, Poole said.

“Overall, it comes down to that we live in an urbanized area and they can be problematic if kept in this type of area,” Poole said.

If the council decides to allow pot-bellied pigs, the City Attorney’s office is recommending a number of regulations:

* Allowing one per residential property;

* Spaying or neutering the animal by two months of age, and removing, cutting or filing tusks of a male pig;

* Vaccinations;

* Limiting a pig’s size to no more than 200 pounds and no higher than 20 inches and no longer than 40 inches;

* Restraining a pig with a leash when off the residential property and;

* Keeping a pig at least 50 feet from a neighboring residential property.

Pig owners would also have to provide an outdoor, fenced exercise area paved with concrete and maintain their property in an odor-free, sanitary manner, with waste removed daily. Because pigs overheat easily, a wading pool or similar substitute would have to be provided during warm weather.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Council chambers, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.

Information: (714) 765-5166.