Last March, my kids and I welcomed a wonderful addition to our family -- a rescued pot-bellied pig. Before we found him, he had already been rehomed twice. Recently, I received notice that pigs are not allowed within our city limits. I have one month to remove him, or I will face a $100 fine per day as long as I keep him. Wilbur isn’t a farm animal, he is a pet that my kids and I love. I can’t bear the idea of having to rehome him again. He belongs here with us.

I want the city of Grainfield, Kansas to make an exception to its ordinance banning pigs, so that Wilbur and other pet pot-bellied pigs in town can stay with the families that love them.

Ordinance 73, which bans pigs from Grainfield, was written in 1971. At that time, there were no pot-bellied pigs in the United States. The ordinance was created to make sure farm pigs wouldn’t be raised within city limits. But pot-bellied pigs are altogether different -- Wilbur is a kind, loving, loyal animal just like a cat or dog. He loves to play with my three kids, gives kisses when we come home from a long day’s work, and rubs against our legs to get our attention. He is a part of our family, and we don’t want to imagine life without him.

I had always wanted a pot-bellied pig. I knew they were good, clean pets, and great around children. I had read up on their care, and researched where to find one. So when word came that there was a pig in need of a new home, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m so glad I did.

My kids shouldn’t lose a friend, and Wilbur shouldn’t have to lose a family. Please join us in asking Grainfield to allow pot-bellied pigs within city limits.