Brooklyn Park Potbellied Pig Inspires Possible Ordinance Change
Potbellied pigs aren’t exactly normal pets. But much like a bristly dog, they’re loyal, affectionate, and food-motivated. One of those porcine pets lives in Brooklyn Park.
Peco lives in a large shed on the city’s northern side. His owner Rebecca Buckley says he’s just as good a pet as a cat or dog, but the city didn’t see it that way.
“They were like, well, you’ll have to get rid of him,” says Rebecca. “And I was like, well, I don’t know where he’s gonna go.” Rebecca got Peco when she lived on a 20-acre property in the city. Brooklyn Park allows animals like pigs on large properties like that. But when she moved to a regular suburban lot, she found out she was suddenly in violation.
“They got a complaint and I’m like, OK. I don’t know why. ‘Cause he’s not a problem.”
Problem or not, giving up her pet wasn’t in the cards for Rebecca. She started a petition to allow potbellied pigs in the city. She soon had more than 500 signatures. And she thinks the city’s on board too. Monday night’s council meeting has Peco and other pigs on the agenda as the city considers an ordinance that would see potbellied pigs as pets.
Rebecca says there was a moment of worry when chickens got in on the action. “A lot of those neighbors, they were like, we’re fine with pigs. We just don’t really want chickens.”
So Monday’s proposal will only feature potbellied pigs. Rebecca thinks that will put the pig ordinance over the top. “I’m very optimistic about it.”
If the ordinance passes it will allow one potbellied pig per property. They’d need to be registered with the city, and the city would reserve the right to revoke a property owner’s rights if they didn’t properly care for their pigs. The first reading of the proposal is at the October 28th council meeting.
