An online petition has garnered more than 1000 signatures to save Layla the pig from being evicted.
Image Credit: Facebook/ Save Layla
August 15, 2016 - 4:34 PM
VERNON - A Vernon woman can keep her pet pig, at least on an interim basis while council decides what to do.
Vernon council heard an appeal today, Aug. 15, from Coralee Carrier, who is seeking permission to keep her pet mini pig, Layla. Pigs are not considered companion animals in Vernon, and are not allowed to be kept within city limits, except on designated farm land. To keep Layla, Carrier will need to be granted a variance to the bylaw.
Speaking to Vernon council today, Carrier said Layla is house trained, well-behaved and a valued member of her family who is good with other people and animals.
“We would be lost without her,” Carrier said.
She described how 30 pound Layla enjoys car rides, has her own room, and enjoys cuddles. The pig also has her own Instagram account, and many fans, Carrier said.
“Layla is 100 per cent domesticated and would never survive on a farm,” she told mayor and council.
Several pet pigs have been granted variances from the city bylaw in recent years, including Felix the pig in 2015.
“With all faith we hope to be able to keep Layla in her home,” Carrier said.
Vernon council will consider the request and expects to make a decision at its next meeting, Sept. 12. Until then, council has ordered bylaw officers not to enforce the rule, so Carrier can at least rest at ease for now.
Vernon mayor Akbal Mund says personally, he doesn’t have a problem with mini pigs being kept as pets, and says it might be time for the city to consider options such as licensing them like dogs.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2016