CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- A decision is expected to made Wednesday about whether "Tucker the Pig" will be allowed to stay in the home of the Brandermill family that owns him as a pet. Chesterfield Supervisors postponed a November vote on the issue to January 14 in an effort to learn more about pet pigs and livestock.
The neighborhood where Tucker's owners live is not zoned for livestock and some neighbors were concerned about the impact the pig would have on property values.
Art Warren, who represents Clover Hill, recommended a one-year approval, with conditions.
Warren said they would go back and revisit the concept of what is a pet and what is considered only livestock, and they will see if they should they revisit adopting the ordinance for issues like this that take place.
He also said that very few people spoke out in opposition at the public hearing and there were few emails that spoke out. He added that "you can’t base the case on that, but it weighs in."
Tucker's owners recently revealed they registered Tucker as an "emotional support animal." Mark Johnson told the board he suffered from an anxiety disorder and Tucker helped him cope.
Tucker’s new registration certificate, protected by regulation, indicated the neighborhood must make a reasonable accommodation to allow the pig to stay.
Tucker's residency passed with these conditions:
- Johnsons can’t transfer use of the permit
- Time limitation for one year
- Use of KuneKune pig
- Pig has to stay inside the dwelling otherwise it has to be on a leash or within a fenced rear yard under appropriate supervision.
- Should the pig be given, sold or pass away it should not be replaced
- History: Applicant has to provide the history of pig: age, sex, size to planning department
- Waste and order: pens, shelters or fenced yard shall be cleaned and made free of waste on the daily basis.
This is a developing story.
