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November 14, 2016 - 4:07 PM
VERNON - Pig and chicken owners will be happy to hear the City of Vernon is moving ahead with more open rules.
Vernon council approved a series of draft amendments to the animal regulation bylaw today, Nov. 14, including increasing the allowable number of hens to four, up from three, and permitting mini pigs as companion animals. Prior to the amendment, swine were not allowed on residential city lots which led to pet pig owners petitioning the city for exceptions.
The draft changes were supported by a majority of council, with Coun. Brian Quiring opposed because he felt they should include a weight restriction on the pigs.
Council heard that some mini pigs can grow up to 250 pounds.
“Seriously, if you don’t limit it, they can do anything,” Quiring says.
According to the bylaw department, creating a weight restriciton would create challenges for enforcement, and would require the purchase of an animal scale so officers could weigh the pigs.
“I just can’t see bylaw running around with a giant scale weighing pigs,” Coun. Scott Anderson said.
While supported in principle, the changes still need to be officially adopted.
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