9/8/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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600K DO PAFjF 3JA Commissioner Eggert believed abandonment of pot-bellied pigs to be an on-going problem, which recently had been a topic on CNN (TV), because they get so big. Chairman Tippin opened the floor for public discussion. Heidi Lewis, 656 261 Avenue, handed the Commissioners an extensive packet of information and proceeded to make a lengthy appeal to the Board. (Clerk's Note: The packet Of information has been filed with the backup for the meeting.) She advised that she was the proud mother of two pot-bellied pigs. She was born in Vero Beach and had lived in her current home for ten years. She had wanted a pot bellied pig for seven years, but about a year ago she finally acquired one after having done research and calling the Code Enforcement Department to determine the legality of pot-bellied pigs in her neighborhood. She was advised at that time that they were legal. She purchased a pot-bellied pig, had no problems, and soon adopted another from the Humane Society. She advised that both male animals had been neutered and, thus, did not have an odor. She feeds them a special food which renders their feces odor -free. They live in her house (about 80% of the time) and outside. She believes she is a responsible pet owner and referred to her handouts which supported her position that pot-bellied pigs are pets and not livestock. The pigs are very docile, quickly learn tricks and household rules, and bond with their caretakers. She believed that not everyone would be a good owner of pot-bellied pigs, because they need special consideration and commitment from their owners. She advised that her two side neighbors were the only ones in the neighborhood who knew about her pigs. The County Health Inspector came to her property on a complaint by her neighbors; he told her there was no odor, no flies, and no rats, but that she had a "potential for these problems." She felt it would be a breach of her civil liberties if her pets were taken away. Commissioner Giem asked if pot-bellied pigs were considered "mini -sized pigs", and Ms. Lewis confirmed that all pot-bellied pigs were, because they are not farm animals. Commissioner Adams asked the weight of Ms. Lewis' pigs, and Ms. Lewis advised they each weighed about 150 pounds; they were like a large Basset hound, fat, thick, short and compact. Commissioner Adams asked Ms. Lewis if she kept them inside. September 8, 1998 38