I would like to bring a proposal before the City of Tampa City Council to determine what can/needs to be done to alter the ordinance regarding Swine, specifically domestic mini pigs as recognized by the American MiniPig association.

I have contacted Council Members Charlie Miranda, Yvonne Yolie Capin and Mike Suarez via Council Site email addresses on 11/13/18 with no response (status is still open). 

My proposal would be to update the current ordinance defining Swine as livestock requiring 1 acre per pig, to recognize them as domestic animals with the same liberties and restrictions as dogs or cats, but also enact an annual license or permit fee of a nominal amount of say $50 per pig. The change in this ordinance would assist to resolve a few issues regarding the animals which are increasing greatly in population despite the existing rule.

The allowance of minipigs as domestic animals would

-      Help alleviate the increasing number of abandoned minipig pets as it would allow the owners to keep the animals home with their families without fear of fines or removal. 

-      Dispel myths regarding nuisance behavior:   Pigs run very short distances, are quite social and personable, they produce 1/3 the waste of my med size dog and despite reputation they do not smell. They do not need mud wallows and slop, they are fed a high fiber lean vegetable and grain diet to keep them trim and healthy. Indoor/outdoor shelter, fenced areas, kiddie pools, harnesses with leashes and mind stimulating toys are all part of minipig care. They are not a danger to people or other animals, and do not propose to be a nuisance or noise problem like feral cats or barking dogs.

-      Regulate and standardize veterinary care including immunizations and spay/neuter guidelines.  

-      help generate commerce from animal care products (pet shop supplies from corporate and private shop owners), training facilities (they are as trainable as dogs!), boarding, sitting, farriers, feed and other supplies. Pigs are excellent pets but the resources to assist with care (vet, boarding, rescues) are very difficult to find.

-      help as a first step to put legislation around unethical breeders who sell days old piglets since they are considered livestock, and false advertise them as micro or teacup pigs by breeding young pig parents saying they are fully grown when they have years to complete growth. Pigs are not fully grown until 5 years and can breed at 15 weeks.  (MiniPigs can grow up to 300 lbs, which is the size of a severely overweight medium sized dog). Unethical breeders greatly contribute to the growth of abandoned and rehomed minipigs due to false advertising of size.

-      NOTE:  Currently the ordinance allows one pig per acre in the city. That amount of land is extremely rare in the city and not affordable to the majority of the community. Pigs are herd animals and the preferred number is 2-3 per home, but they can herd with dogs as well. As they are typically indoor/outdoor pets (sleep indoors but graze in fenced areas outside), and a standard .10 to .25 acre backyard is plenty of room.

The permit/license fee would

-      help the city educate pet care programs and put in place a means to help spay/neuter programs for the minipigs as there is currently a wide variety of recommended care as right now each vet seems to have their own opinion with no standard.

-      help with city shelter rescue, capture and care training and abandonment programs which would help to alleviate current overcrowding of rescue groups and inappropriate handling of the animals by officials (dog shelters). Despite popular belief, minipigs are not like dogs and can easily suffocate or have heart attacks if not handled properly.

-      help those considering adoption or purchase to think twice and look further into the proper care and cost of the animals.

-      The fee and domestic pet status would also assist to deter those who want to purchase the animals as food.

 The popularity of these animals is growing across the country and it could potentially become a larger problem if not dealt with properly.

There have already been a few instances in the city of Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County of these animals being abandoned and not dealt with properly by officials. The city of Zephyrhills just altered ordinances this summer to allow them as domestic pets to help owners keep the animals that are a part of their family, and help the animals receive the proper care.