The city of Halstead, Kansas has an ordinance which states that "livestock" cannot be kept within city limits, with a few exceptions.

August 22nd I will go before the city council to ask that they write an amendment to our city ordinance. Even if you don't feel strongly one way or the other, consider helping us define the ordinance.

My hope is not to bully the city, but to educate the council members on the difference between an animal bred and raised as livestock and one bred and raised as a pet. I understand that most people do not know, and may not care, about the difference; but it is still important to clarify what is and isn't livestock as interpreted by those who uphold our laws.

I believe having names on a petition will simply show the city one more aspect of the importance of pets and family and how our citizens feel about creating a safe, family environment for our children and pets.

I am not seeking special treatment for mini pigs. I am proposing they be held to similar standards, rules, and rights as other pets.

The ordinance is currently being interpreted so mini pot bellied pigs are considered livestock. The ordinance does not specifically state that mini pigs cannot be kept, but the law is open to interpret mini pigs in the same category as farm hogs which are raised for meat.

Mini pigs are normally 12-15 inches tall weighing 50-150 pounds. Mini pigs are not bred or raised on farms for profit as food. Mini pigs are bred as companion and service animals with almost identical traits and characteristics as dogs.

They are highly intelligent, clean, hypoallergenic, quiet, and very much love to snuggle with their humans.

Our mini pig is litter box trained (we recycle her droppings to our garden, unlike a dog or cat, pig droppings are great fertilizer) and lives inside our house sleeping in favorite blankets. She loves to nap with the kids and has been taught to "sit" get "up" "turn" and comes when called.

Mini pigs do not suffer from fleas, carry rabies, keep neighbors awake barking, or bite the mailman. :)

We are asking that the city specifically write an amendment to classify mini pigs as pets with similar restrictions and allowances as dogs.

Please consider signing this petition to show your support as a Halstead resident. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me and I will be happy to help.

Also, if you have a strong opinion or experience with mini pigs and would like to write a brief letter stating so, I would like to include that in my packet to the council. Please contact me. Thank you!!