Brooklyn Park City Council Says No to Potbellied Pigs

Monday CCX News brought you the story of Peco, the potbellied pig at the center of a proposal to expand the kinds of pets people can keep in Brooklyn Park. Monday night, the city council voted down a proposal that would have allowed pigs like Peco at residential properties within the city.

Before the 5 to 2 vote, several council member spoke for and against the measure. Mayor Jeff Lunde pointed out that concerns about pigs can be applied to a more common pet, like a dog.

“Every single thing that people talk about pigs applies to dogs,” said Lunde. “They’re related to wolves. They have killed people. They bite people. They will attack people. They cause damage. They get loose. There are irresponsible owners. So if we really care about that, we should get rid of all the dogs.”

Mark Mata was unconvinced, expressing concern that allowing potbellied pigs now could open the door to other animals. “I think the norm are cats and dogs,” he said. “In the future, can I have 5 horses in my back yard? Maybe… …Can I have a bear?”

With the decisive vote against including pigs on the city’s roster of permitted pets, Peco will have to find a new home. Community Engagement Director Kim Berggren said that staff would order Peco’s owner to re-home the pig.

If you’d like to see the councils’ discussion, click here and go to item 7.4.

Brooklyn Park