Miniature pigs are becoming more and more popular. They are clean, loving, highly intelligent, and really no different than a dog or cat. My mini pig, Maple, fits that description perfectly. Maple is the size of a small dog. She has the best personality, always playful, and has never caused a problem. My city, like many across the country, has ordinances that have not kept up with our changing understanding and relationship with animals like mini pigs. Ordinances meant to prevent people from having livestock in the middle of a neighborhood, are unfairly being used to target pets like Maple. I’ve been told Maple has to go, but it doesn’t have to be this way. I’m asking the city of Columbia, Tennessee to change its ordinance on pigs. Maple is not livestock -- she is a beloved member of my family.