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I BOOK 106 PAGE �.�6 population problem, like cats and dogs. Many end up going to slaughter. They found the problem originated with sellers of the animals not providing consumers with adequate information about zoning and special need requirements. Raising a pot-bellied pig, especially in a residential neighborhood, requires a great deal of dedication. The organization took the position that the County should restrict pot-bellied pigs to rural areas, but out of fairness to people like Ms. Lewis, who care about their animals and are responsible, they should be grandfathered. This remains their position. National Humane Society organizations have taken the position that pot-bellied pigs should not be considered household pets. David Brooker, a resident of Colonial Terrace off 8' Street, Vero Beach, advised they adopted a pot-bellied pig about a year ago. It has become a big part of his family. The pig is kept inside and out. He stated they have never had any complaints from their neighbors. He claimed another neighbor, at the other end of the subdivision, also has had a pig for years and never had a complaint. He felt that people objected to pot-bellied pigs because of ignorance, thinking that their neighborhood would be destroyed His two children would be devastated if they had to get rid of the pig. There were no other speakers and the Chairman closed the public part of the discussion and asked for the Commissioners' comments. Commissioner Adams thought the key was where the pigs are kept. She has had many exotic pets on her farm, some adopted from her "city friends" who can no longer care for them, and was quite familiar with pot-bellied pigs. The conflict, as she saw it, was the pigs being kept outside in a residential neighborhood and the neighbors. She recalled it had come up about 5 years ago before the Fellsmere Council and it was resolved by saying the pigs had to be kept in the house and outside for only 2 hours a day. She did not know if that had since been changed. She felt the 75' x 105' lots were awfully small and the conflict with the neighbors would not be resolved. She did not feel this was personal against Ms. Lewis by the neighbors, just a concern with pigs in the yard next door. Commissioner Ginn thought that any regulations, such as only keeping the pigs outside for 2 hours a day, would cause an enforcement problem. In looking at the pictures, the pigs were large animals and she thought they would not be considered very desirable in a yard next door. She was not yet sure exactly how to resolve the issue, but suggested they September 8, 1998 40 0 40