02-17-1994 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

• • • Staff Report Pot-Bellied Pigs March Y7, 1994 Background• At the February 14, 1994, City Council meeting, two citizens (Ms. Weber and Ms. Garcia) addressed the Council regazding the La Porte Zoning Ordinance and its lack of recognition of pot-bellied pigs as pets. The City Council has requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission review the request and make a recommendation to the City Council on the issue. Analysis: Pot-bellied pigs as pets are a new phenomenon that has been crossing the country over the last decade or so. The animals, as aze all swine, aze intelligent and very capable of being trained. This training ability, which includes being housebroken, has allowed the animals to be accepted in many homes. They typically are dwarf sized animals growing to a • maximum size of less than 100 pounds and like air other domesticated animal tend to become members of their households. There are a number of problems that either have been experienced by La Porte Animal Control Officers or have been detailed in seminars attended by at least one area veterinarian. These problems include: 1. Inability to identify with 100% certainty that a young piglet is spot-bellied pig. 't'his could result with an owner having to deal with a 300 pound swine at some point. 2. Curiosity level of the animal. They subsequently can become very adept at escaping backyazds and wandering azound the neighborhood. 3. These animals can be very noisy when disturbed or upset. Many of the complaints that have been received by the City are as a result of the noise created by the animal. Several other cities i:a the area were contacted by staff to determine if and how they allow the animals inside their corporate limits. These cities include Peazland, Alvin, Friendswood, and League City. As a result of this survey, the following information was obtained: L~