Pigs and other animals focus of new ordinance
With discussions ranging from the allowable size to the exact breed of pig allowed in the city limits as a pet, the council held over any decisions on whether or not to allow the fine swine in city limits until next month.
Meanwhile, Michael and Allison Bauer can keep their pet Vietnamese pot belly pig at their home in Jacob Court. The couple began the process of reviewing the city’s ordinances in regards to pets after being sent a letter about Bailey, their pet pig.
The Bauer’s purchased Bailey about a year ago and she quickly became a family favorite.
The letter however, informed them that according to the current city zoning ordinance, swine are not allowed in city limits since they are considered livestock or “feeders and breeders”. The couple appeared at the common council meeting in June to ask the city to reconsider the ordinance so they can keep Bailey and stay in Huntingburg. They explained they would sooner move than get rid of the beloved pet.
The council decided to review the city ordinance and explore options for an update to include the pet pigs.
City Attorney Phil Schneider reviewed a new city ordinance for domesticated animals in city limits last night. Schneider told the council that since the city ordinance only deals with dogs, the new ordinance would broaden that to include the handling of any animals in city limits. The zoning ordinance precludes any livestock in the city.
The broader ordinance is a much more thorough city guideline regarding how to handle animals and which animals are allowed in city limits as pets.
Included in the new ordinance is an exemption for the Vietnamese pot belly pig to be kept as a pet. According to the ordinance, only one pig can be kept as a pet and it must be kept on the property by a fence or leash, it has to be registered with the city annually, and it has to be cleared of diseases common to pigs by a registered vet.
An added weight limit of no more than 70 pounds was cause for discussion between the council and Michael Bauer. Michael says Bailey is pushing 65 pounds now and she is still growing and explained that these pigs, although smaller than livestock varieties of pigs, can reach up to 250 lbs. “I know that seems like a lot, but these things are really solid,” he said. “You wouldn’t think that she [Bailey] weighs that much. They’re so thick. They’re so muscular.”
“And that’s part of the issue,” Schneider said. “I am sure I need some education but I am sure when an animal gets that big, it could be to the point where it’s not really controllable by a person if it’s on a leash.”
“We’re talking about living in a community with other people next door to you,” he continued. “If you have a 250-pound animal that has a lot of strength, that’s solid as a rock, it can do a lot of damage.”
“You’re talking about an animal that’s completely docile, they’re not vicious,” Micheal said. “They’re not aggressive in any way. I could understand it if they show any aggression.”
Councilman Alex Blackgrove stated he didn’t support the pig exemption included in the ordinance.
Councilwoman Amy Lehr recommended the types of pot belly pigs be better defined since there are several breeds from Asia kept as pets.
The ordinance also assigns fines of $45 for collection of stray animals as well as a $10 per day fee for boarding of said animals.
If the ordinance is approved, the zoning ordinance will have to be updated also. This will be initiated by the Huntingburg Advisory Planning Commission and will require a public hearing before being considered by the council.
The council will revisit the issue at its next regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Huntingburg City Hall, 508 E. Fourth St.
