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We have lived in Manchester Township, York, Pennsylvania for over 10 years. Almost 3 years ago, my Father unexpectedly passed away in our home, in front of my children. About a month later, we adopted two pet mini-pigs/pot belly pigs, who quickly became Emotional Support Animals for everyone in our home, but especially my children who were witness to the tragic passing of my father.

Before adopting LuLu and Kevin, we checked with the township codes and ordinances, and interpreted the language as such that we were allowed to have them as pets. They have their own fenced areas, we make sure their excrements are cleaned regularly, they are regularly seen by our veterinarian, and they are spayed and neutered. We love them both and they have truly become a part of our family. They go outside for exercise, play time and to use the potty, then come inside to be with us, to eat and sleep.

For me personally, the need for our mini pigs goes very deep. They have provided happiness and joy to my children who have a mutually adoring relationship with LuLu and Kevin. They have helped my middle son, who has suffered from PTSD-like symptoms and extreme anxiety since his grandfather’s death. They were very close. I cannot imagine the impact of losing the pigs would have on the kids now. 

Over the past two years, we have had ongoing issues with a neighbor across the street who has neglected their dog and consistently allows it to roam free through the neighborhood. Although we are total animal lovers, we have had an issue with this, because the dog has repeatedly tried to attack our dogs and pigs through our fence. We have tried a number of times to resolve the issue with the neighbors, through friendly suggestions, pleading, etc. They refused to acknowledge the issue, or rectify it, and instead ignored it. It became a daily problem, and as per the township’s suggestions, we contacted the local police. This was after their initial suggestion of contacting the Animal Control Officers. So, the neighbors immediately retaliated and called the township and complained about our two pigs, which they never before had an issue with.

Today, we received a letter from them, stating we have 30 days to remove the pigs (who are smaller than our dog!) or to appeal. We plan to appeal and take whatever steps necessary to ensure our pigs can stay in their home. 

MiniPig Support Letter: https://drive.google.com/open?id=10v0nNwywR9tcY-LgfEdhTm1db3gv4Yb3

Great overview of MiniPigs: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LsEQinHQocJSHjX6a6-uOKZLjq10vIKF

Some facts about pigs:

•Pigs can be easily trained.

•Pigs are extremely intelligent, it's been said they are as smart as a 3-4 year old toddler. They are ranked 4th smartest mammal.

•Pigs should be spayed/neutered. Intact pigs do not make great pets.

•Pigs need outdoor time and you should expect them to act like pigs. Pigs like to root, so creating a space for your pig to be a pig is ideal if you are trying to get a yard of the month award.

•Pigs are social animals, therefore, pigs actually do better in pairs.