SOME PET PIGS' STATUS IN PERIL.Byline: Patrick McGreevy and Daniel Taub Daily News Staff Writers Not all pigs are equal. That was the conclusion of the Los Angeles City Council  The Los Angeles City Council is the governing body of the City of Los Angeles, California, United States. , which decided Wednesday to draft a law allowing pot-bellied pigs The pot-bellied pig is a breed of domesticated pig originating in Vietnam with fourteen sub-species. Considerably smaller than standard American or European farm pigs, most adult pot-bellied pigs are about the size of a medium- or large-breed dog, though their bodies are denser at to legally be kept for a $130 annual fee as pets on large residential lots. But, keep swine swine, name for any of the cloven-hoofed mammals of the family Suidae, native to the Old World. A swine has a rather long, mobile snout, a heavy, relatively short-legged body, a thick, bristly hide, and a small tail. in an apartment or on a small lot where they might bother the neighbors, and face a misdemeanor charge, the council decided. The new rules must still be approved by the council, but some pig owners already are complaining that they are too restrictive. Kathie Ward said her "Clair" is an outlaw pig, and said she would be reluctant to go through the costly and time-consuming procedure to get a variance to keep her 15-pound miniature pig on her small lot in Reseda. Ward predicted other pig owners will find ways to keep their pets, which grow to an average size of 20 inches high and weigh about 100 pounds. "Everybody will continue to hide their pigs," she said. Linda Gordon of the city Animal Regulation Department said violators likely would receive a warning at first and be given time to get rid of their animals. The maximum misdemeanor penalty for violating the pig ban is up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Councilmen Hal Bernson Hal Bernson served as Los Angeles City Councilman for the 12th district. He was chair of the Transportation Committee. Prior to being on the City Council, he served in the Navy. Preceded by Robert M. and Joel Wachs Joel Wachs served for several terms as Los Angeles City Councilman for the 2nd district. He was first elected by defeating incumbent James B. Potter. While in office, Wachs chaired the Public Works Committee and vice-chair of the Environmental Quality & Waste Management said the council decision tried to weigh pet owners' concerns and the animals' potential nuisance. The new ordinance A law, statute, or regulation enacted by a Municipal Corporation. An ordinance is a law passed by a municipal government. A municipality, such as a city, town, village, or borough, is a political subdivision of a state within which a municipal corporation has been will allow two pigs per household in residential-agricult ural zones of an acre or more. In addition, owners in "residential-estate" zones - with lots of 9,000 square feet or more - can pay about $200 to go through abbreviated zoning variance procedures to get approval. Owners on smaller lots can pay about $500 to go through a variance process, but will require the consent of four neighbors. If permission is not granted by neighbors, the Planning Department will hear the variance. Previously, pigs were only legal in agricultural and industrial zones. But, Ward complained that many people who live on small lots won't be able to afford the costly permit and planning fees. "These are not all rich people that have these pigs," Ward said. Some residents have obtained variances in the past, including actors George Clooney George Timothy Clooney (May 6, 1961) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter who gained fame as the lead doctor in the long-running television drama, ER and Luke Perry Luke Perry (born Coy Luther Perry III on October 11, 1966)[1] is an American actor best known for his role as Dylan Michael McKay in the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210. , Gordon said. Councilman Nate Holden Nathaniel "Nate" R. Holden (1929-) served on the Los Angeles City Council from 1987 to 2002. He previously served a term on the California State Senate and was Assistant Chief Deputy to then Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn. also said the limitations on smaller lots discriminates against pig lovers in the inner city, where lots tend to be smaller. Holden voted to draft the ordinance as proposed, but said he may seek changes when it comes back to the council for approval. North Hills resident Joan Wirth said she's not sure whether her pig, "Cosmo" is legal or not. But, she said she'll continue to defend him as the perfect pet. "They're quiet, they're more quiet than dogs. I have dogs so I can compare," Wirth said. CAPTION(S): PHOTO Photo Jeff McCurdy holds Elroy. The city may allow the pigs as pets, with restrictions. Tom Mendoza/Daily News |
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