Our family pig, Atticus, has been a beloved member of our household in Chesterfield County for over two years. A sweet, gentle soul, Atticus has brought us joy and comfort beyond measure. He's a house pig, and if you didn't know any better, you'd think he was just another one of the dogs. Atticus lays down in his bed at bed time, he sits, he rolls over on the living room floor and asks for belly rubs, he asks to be let out into the yard to use the bathroom and he knocks on the door to come back inside when he's finished.

Pigs like Atticus make wonderful domestic pets. They are intelligent animals, often ranked as the 4th most intelligent animal species worldwide, capable of forming deep emotional connections with their human families. Pigs are known to be clean, trainable, and provide emotional support to humans, just like some other more conventional domestic pets. 

Despite him being an emotional support companion and a cherished pet, we have been informed that Atticus is not allowed to continue living with us. This undermines the deep emotional bond that we have built with Atticus and completely ignores his role in our lives as a comfort provider. His unexpected banishment from our home by the local authorities has left us heartbroken as they have proceeded to categorize him as livestock, not a pet, or the family member that he is.

It is time to reconsider outdated laws that do not serve their purpose of ensuring the welfare of animals and the happiness of owners. We as a society have moved beyond valuing animals solely for their meat and labor. The animals we welcome into our homes and hearts are essential to our emotional wellbeing. Our hope is Chesterfield County will recognize this and allow Atticus to continue living in our home for the remainder of his life.

Please sign this petition to help us save sweet Atticus from an unjust removal from his lifelong home.