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Clover the Potbellied Pig

Change of Harnett County Animal Control Ordinances to include Domesticated Potbellied Pigs.

Target:
Harnett County Commissioners & Officials
Sponsored by: 

Petition for Clover States the Following:

Change of Harnett County Animal Control Ordinances that preside of the Town of Erwin to include Domesticated Potbellied Pigs.

To:  Harnett County Officials & Town of Erwin Officials

Whereas the Harnett County Animal Ordinance Code allows ownership of a total of three (3) dogs and/or cats in any single family dwelling, we are petitioning for the change of the Harnett County Animal Ordinance be amended to provide ownership of miniature domestics such as Potbelly pigs (or to grandfather in all animals in the town that are in current violation of the ordinance that were here BEFORE this ordinance was passed in May 2008).  We are requesting the definition of pet or animal for this ordinance be changed, along with the inclusion of "unless domesticated for pet purposes, such as potbellied pigs" in the Swine clause.  The definition of a pet should be changed to read:  "Any domesticated animal which is kept for pleasure, rather than utility or sale, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium, or other confinement within a primary dwelling; or any fish or amphibian, which is kept in a pond for pleasure, rather than utility or sale; or any domesticated animal kept or generally housed on property."  This petition is to be presented to the Harnett County Asst. County Manager, Harnett County Board of Commissioners, and Town of Erwin Mayor & Board of Commissioners for appeal of the current order of removal issued to the Suggs/Denning residence at 211 East H Street (temporary residence) & 101 Woodall Drive (permanent residence) Erwin North Carolina, 28339

False and inflammatory reports of the condition of our home & pets living conditions have lead to the enforcement of the current Animal Ordinance.  Before the contrived accusations of our living conditions, we willingly invited the health department, animal control officials, county commissioners, and county officials to visit our home for inspections.  The conditions were previously inspected by Town of Erwin inspectors in February and March of 2008 and the current town inspector and Town of Erwin Manager found the conditions were not what has been claimed by the current and previous complainant; Thomas Johnson of 209 East H Street, Erwin.

Current Issue Details:

We purchased Clover in May of '07 within compliance to Town of Erwin Animal Ordinances.

Our family relocated to 211 East H Street (Erwin, NC) in Jan'08 (in with my mom in my childhood home while we renovate my home).

Told by the previous Town of Erwin Manager, Alan Thornton, in March of 2008 that we complied with all ordinances because Clover is a domesticated animal, not a farm animal (in the exact same location she is in right this minute).  The town inspector came out on 2 occasions before that and verified no smell and no visual problems.

Unknowing to us, on May 1, 2008 the Town of Erwin, NC turned over all animal control issues to the county and thus the county ordinance took over.

In March '09 an animal control officer and the Interim Chief of Police Hank Haire approached us at home, informed us of the new ordinance, issued a citation for violation of the new ordinance, and we were told that we had 2 weeks to move Clover.

The issue has escalated since then, and there have been MANY uninformed people making comments, spreading lies, and rumors.  We just want all the attention to stop and for the issue to be corrected.  We hate that all the attention has been place on our pet when many other pets will be included within the new ordinance violation.  We are not the type people to draw attention to ourselves, scream/holler/yell obscenities/exaggerate the truth/or invade privacy as our disgruntled neighbor has done.  We could have taken many other, more drastic measures to solve our problem.  Instead, we are trying our best to be respectful to officials and follow the steps they have told us to take.  The officials know they are welcome to come out to our home anytime.  We ask that the public do their research, become informed of the REAL situation and facts, and not make assumptions based on what we have shared or the neighbor has shared.

There are NUMEROUS people that visit this residence FREQUENTLY to swim or for cookouts and gatherings, all within 8-10 feet of the section of the yard that Clover has been given to roam freely (behind a privacy fence).  Most, never know that we have a potbellied pig until we introduce them to Clover.  ANYONE that has visited us can testify to the fact that she is not a noise nuisance and to the fact that she does not, neither does her outside home; smell as atrocious as the neighbor alleges, therefore she is not a smell nuisance.

Unless this ordinance is changed, we will be forced to remove our beloved family member, Clover, from our home.  Most documented cases of potbellied relocation have resulted in death of the potbellied pig within 3-4 weeks due to undue stress and heartbreak causing the potbellied pig to refuse to eat.  Please do not allow this to happen to our Clover.  Your support is greatly appreciated and needed.  BY signing below you are expressing your support of the amendment to the Harnett County Animal Ordinance Code which allows ownership of a total of three (3) dogs and/or cats in any single family dwelling, be amended to provide ownership of miniature domestics such as Potbelly pigs.  We are requesting the definition of pet or animal for zoning be changed, along with the inclusion of unless domesticated for pet purposes, such as potbellied pigs in the Swine clause.  The definition of a pet should be changed to read:  "Any domesticated animal which is kept for pleasure, rather than utility or sale, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium, or other confinement within a primary dwelling; or any fish or amphibian, which is kept in a pond for pleasure, rather than utility or sale; or any domesticated animal kept or generally housed on property." 

This petition is requiring that Town of Erwin and Harnett County officials change the current Animal Ordinance in one of three ways (giving officials the option to choose which best suits their township%u2019s purpose):

 1). Be amended to provide ownership of miniature domestics such as Potbelly pigs

 OR

2). To grandfather in all animals in the town that are in current violation of the ordinance that were here BEFORE this ordinance was passed in May 2008 (Potbelly Pigs, horses, donkeys, buffaloes, chickens, roosters, etc.)

 OR

3). Change it with the inclusion of "unless domesticated for pet purposes, such as potbellied pigs" in the Swine clause.

Petition for Clover States the Following:

Change of Harnett County Animal Control Ordinances that preside of the Town of Erwin to include Domesticated Potbellied Pigs.

To:  Harnett County Officials & Town of Erwin Officials

Whereas the Harnett County Animal Ordinance Code allows ownership of a total of three (3) dogs and/or cats in any single family dwelling, we are petitioning for the change of the Harnett County Animal Ordinance be amended to provide ownership of miniature domestics such as Potbelly pigs (or to grandfather in all animals in the town that are in current violation of the ordinance that were here BEFORE this ordinance was passed in May 2008).  We are requesting the definition of pet or animal for this ordinance be changed, along with the inclusion of "unless domesticated for pet purposes, such as potbellied pigs" in the Swine clause.  The definition of a pet should be changed to read:  "Any domesticated animal which is kept for pleasure, rather than utility or sale, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium, or other confinement within a primary dwelling; or any fish or amphibian, which is kept in a pond for pleasure, rather than utility or sale; or any domesticated animal kept or generally housed on property."  This petition is to be presented to the Harnett County Asst. County Manager, Harnett County Board of Commissioners, and Town of Erwin Mayor & Board of Commissioners for appeal of the current order of removal issued to the Suggs/Denning residence at 211 East H Street (temporary residence) & 101 Woodall Drive (permanent residence) Erwin North Carolina, 28339

False and inflammatory reports of the condition of our home & pets living conditions have lead to the enforcement of the current Animal Ordinance.  Before the contrived accusations of our living conditions, we willingly invited the health department, animal control officials, county commissioners, and county officials to visit our home for inspections.  The conditions were previously inspected by Town of Erwin inspectors in February and March of 2008 and the current town inspector and Town of Erwin Manager found the conditions were not what has been claimed by the current and previous complainant; Thomas Johnson of 209 East H Street, Erwin.

Current Issue Details:

We purchased Clover in May of '07 within compliance to Town of Erwin Animal Ordinances.

Our family relocated to 211 East H Street (Erwin, NC) in Jan'08 (in with my mom in my childhood home while we renovate my home).

Told by the previous Town of Erwin Manager, Alan Thornton, in March of 2008 that we complied with all ordinances because Clover is a domesticated animal, not a farm animal (in the exact same location she is in right this minute).  The town inspector came out on 2 occasions before that and verified no smell and no visual problems.

Unknowing to us, on May 1, 2008 the Town of Erwin, NC turned over all animal control issues to the county and thus the county ordinance took over.

In March '09 an animal control officer and the Interim Chief of Police Hank Haire approached us at home, informed us of the new ordinance, issued a citation for violation of the new ordinance, and we were told that we had 2 weeks to move Clover.

The issue has escalated since then, and there have been MANY uninformed people making comments, spreading lies, and rumors.  We just want all the attention to stop and for the issue to be corrected.  We hate that all the attention has been place on our pet when many other pets will be included within the new ordinance violation.  We are not the type people to draw attention to ourselves, scream/holler/yell obscenities/exaggerate the truth/or invade privacy as our disgruntled neighbor has done.  We could have taken many other, more drastic measures to solve our problem.  Instead, we are trying our best to be respectful to officials and follow the steps they have told us to take.  The officials know they are welcome to come out to our home anytime.  We ask that the public do their research, become informed of the REAL situation and facts, and not make assumptions based on what we have shared or the neighbor has shared.

There are NUMEROUS people that visit this residence FREQUENTLY to swim or for cookouts and gatherings, all within 8-10 feet of the section of the yard that Clover has been given to roam freely (behind a privacy fence).  Most, never know that we have a potbellied pig until we introduce them to Clover.  ANYONE that has visited us can testify to the fact that she is not a noise nuisance and to the fact that she does not, neither does her outside home; smell as atrocious as the neighbor alleges, therefore she is not a smell nuisance.

Unless this ordinance is changed, we will be forced to remove our beloved family member, Clover, from our home.  Most documented cases of potbellied relocation have resulted in death of the potbellied pig within 3-4 weeks due to undue stress and heartbreak causing the potbellied pig to refuse to eat.  Please do not allow this to happen to our Clover.  Your support is greatly appreciated and needed.  BY signing below you are expressing your support of the amendment to the Harnett County Animal Ordinance Code which allows ownership of a total of three (3) dogs and/or cats in any single family dwelling, be amended to provide ownership of miniature domestics such as Potbelly pigs.  We are requesting the definition of pet or animal for zoning be changed, along with the inclusion of unless domesticated for pet purposes, such as potbellied pigs in the Swine clause.  The definition of a pet should be changed to read:  "Any domesticated animal which is kept for pleasure, rather than utility or sale, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium, or other confinement within a primary dwelling; or any fish or amphibian, which is kept in a pond for pleasure, rather than utility or sale; or any domesticated animal kept or generally housed on property." 

This petition is requiring that Town of Erwin and Harnett County officials change the current Animal Ordinance in one of three ways (giving officials the option to choose which best suits their township%u2019s purpose):

 1). Be amended to provide ownership of miniature domestics such as Potbelly pigs

 OR

2). To grandfather in all animals in the town that are in current violation of the ordinance that were here BEFORE this ordinance was passed in May 2008 (Potbelly Pigs, horses, donkeys, buffaloes, chickens, roosters, etc.)

 OR

3). Change it with the inclusion of "unless domesticated for pet purposes, such as potbellied pigs" in the Swine clause.

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We signed the "Change of Harnett County Animal Control Ordinances to include Domesticated Potbellied Pigs." petition!
# 207:
6:04 pm PDT, Oct 22, Sara Gaspar, Portugal
# 206:
5:26 am PDT, Sep 11, Michael Bastin, North Carolina
# 205:
5:13 am PDT, Sep 10, Madeline Aldea, Romania
# 204:
5:22 pm PDT, Sep 8, Carl Rosenstock, Wisconsin
# 203:
1:09 pm PDT, Sep 8, Milena Jovicic, Serbia And Montenegro
# 202:
7:44 am PDT, Sep 7, Olga Cramer, Romania
# 201:
2:00 pm PDT, Sep 3, Arun Mahesh, Pakistan
# 200:
7:09 am PDT, Sep 3, Sonja Nielsen, Denmark
# 199:
3:19 pm PDT, Aug 28, Roger Brown, North Carolina
There are more important things to worry about and spend tax payers money on than this. First the government tells you what kind of pets you can own, next it is where you can live. Government needs to be taken back by the people to work for the people.
# 198:
4:19 am PDT, Aug 28, Isabell Siebert, Germany
# 197:
10:44 am PDT, Jul 28, Brandy Gibson, North Carolina
this is rediculous, when people own property it should be up to them what they do whith it , not the goverment!
# 196:
10:40 am PDT, Jul 23, Samantha Bear, California
# 195:
1:07 pm PDT, Jul 22, Georgina Chiarelli, Uruguay
# 194:
5:32 am PDT, Jul 20, Selina Emlen, Virginia
# 193:
11:49 pm PDT, Jul 19, Name not displayed, North Carolina
This is so totally Harnett County. Does no one have a heart? Ooops ... forgot where Clover lives ... Harnett County. Remember how the animals were killed back around 1990? I'll refresh your memory a bit here ... by gunshot. Whatever happened to the grandfather clause?
# 192:
7:31 pm PDT, Jul 16, LISA PIA, North Carolina
PLEASE FOR THIS CHILD AND FAMILY SAKE LET THEM KEEP THERE PIG.THIS ANIMAL HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG.LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN YOUR HEART FOR THIS CHILD.LEAVE THEM ALONE.
# 191:
6:30 pm PDT, Jul 15, Antonio Calabria, Texas
# 190:
6:04 am PDT, Jul 13, Name not displayed, North Carolina
# 189:
9:13 pm PDT, Jul 10, Bobby Bean, North Carolina
# 188:
12:08 pm PDT, Jul 10, Deborah Johns, North Carolina
I have three rescued pot-bellies. they are very sweet and much loved. They don't bark, disturbing neighbors or tip over garbage cans. No one would even know they are here. They are very intelligent. I think pot-bellies are better than most pets and should be allowed to be kept in Harnett Count or anywhere else. I think it is a control issue that shouldn't be...why are these people raising a stink that isn't there?
# 187:
8:18 am PDT, Jul 9, Katira Tejeda, Massachusetts
# 186:
6:56 am PDT, Jul 9, Ines Faria, Portugal
# 185:
11:55 am PDT, Jul 6, Leila Merosands, Washington
This is completely wrong, who will want to live in your town with such a terrible attitude? I've sold property and moved, because of a similar neighbor; people like that don't need humored, they should be taught to get out of the way and not harass people with real, caring lives. There are always morons with nothing else to do; they're normally avoided and ignored, except by lowbrow media, and certainly should have no effect on any legislative action.
# 184:
8:43 am PDT, Jul 4, Niche Epps, Delaware
# 183:
2:32 am PDT, Jul 4, Elaine Robinson, United Kingdom
LOVE PIGS
# 182:
9:52 pm PDT, Jun 30, Cyndi Davison, Florida
# 181:
8:37 pm PDT, Jun 30, Rusty Alderman, Tennessee
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 180:
2:25 pm PDT, Jun 30, Jody Sternhagen, Wisconsin
# 179:
2:03 pm PDT, Jun 30, Joanna Graves, Tennessee
# 178:
11:09 am PDT, Jun 30, Name not displayed, Hawaii
For more impact, add a personal comment here
# 177:
8:20 am PDT, Jun 30, Darlynn Czerner, Florida
There are bigger things to worry about in the world and in our communities and more important things to spend tax dollars on these days than appeasing some meddlesome neighbor who is creating a problem where there is no problem. We're not talking about some breeding operation next door. We're not talking about running a farm situation next door. We're not even talking about a farm animal. We're talking about a PET Potbelly pig that does nothing to infringe on this man and his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, yet he seems to think he has some right to interfere with his neighbor's right to the same. People, like all other animals, having nothing natural or constructive to do with their time, will find something to do. Lonely, unsatisfied, unoccupied people tend to meddle and create problems where there are no problems in an effort to feel useful and be noticed. Once a situation is set in motion by one of these meddling individuals, it is up to the more intelligent among us, especially those in the position to address and rectify such unnecessary and unwarranted meddling, to take the appropriate steps to amend ordinances in a way that causes the least distress and displacement of all (human and not) involved. Further, by so doing, a positive message is sent that affirms the importance of personal responsibility and another message, equally important, is sent suggesting that unoccupied people should (1) mind their own business and (2) find something constructive, instead of destructive, to do with their time. There is much documentation now available supporting the fact that there is no (longer a) question whether non-human animals are capable of thought processes, or have feelings, attachments, personalities, and desires. It is right then that humans, as the self appointed superior species, show respect and consideration for the others and their welfare and actively support the citizens in their community who do the same.
# 176:
7:39 am PDT, Jun 30, Nancy Slocumb, Virginia
Pot belly pigs are NOT farm animals but very special companions to many. They are cleaner than dogs, often live inside homes as members of families and are loving, smart, caring creatures. The general public should take time to learn about them. With a little knowledge, people could appreciate the special qualities that pot belly pigs can bring into our lives. They become life long friends that give so much to those lucky enough to know them.
# 175:
5:34 am PDT, Jun 30, Commissioner Linda L. Kelley, Maryland
I have posted comments elsewhere, but will repeat here. As a County Commissioner in Calvert County, Maryland, and the the owner of several potbellied pigs, I recognize the quandary of the elected officials. We have resolved the situation here by amending our zoning ordinances to define livestock as those animals kept for their production value, and domestic pets (including potbellied pigs) as those animals kept for their companionship value. This has restricted livestock operations from residential areas, but permits those who chose non-traditional pets to have them in their household. Given the fact that potbellied pigs don't bark all night, chase cats, or cause disturbances, our animal control officers have had NO neighbor calls regarding these animals. This has been a very satisfactory resolution to the situation. I can provide copies of our ordinance to appropriate parties, should this county want to review it for possible inclusion in their zoning ordinance. Such action would provide an avenue for Clover to remain with the family that loves her, and not open up the County to livestock operations in a residential neighborhood, which appears to be a concern.
# 174:
4:36 pm PDT, Jun 29, Cindy Barks, Florida
I cannot believe there is anyone anymore that actually equates pot-belly pigs with normal "meat" pigs. How antiquated is this city council that they don't realize that pot-bellies are not treated, kept or used the same way normal farm pigs are treated, kept or used. These little pigs are PETS.....you don't eat your dogs or cats up there do you? Same here. This is a little girl's pet...she loves it just as much as you council people and your little sons, daughters, grandchildren love your cats, dogs, birds, horses, etc. Do the right thing and stop talking about devastating this little girl's life by taking away her beloved pet! Shame on you if you continue with this unnecessary cruelty!
# 173:
12:18 pm PDT, Jun 29, Marianne Amann, Illinois
The USDA has stated these are not livestock because they are not raised for food. This is a pet. This animals causes no harm to anyone and is safer than a lot of dogs. Please be rational here.
# 172:
11:13 am PDT, Jun 29, Mike Halchin, California
Potbellied pigs are smart, kind and loving animals. Please make this change.
# 171:
7:49 am PDT, Jun 29, Anne Gardner, Rhode Island
I urge you to make this change. Potbellied pigs are very intelligent, clean and quiet pets.
# 170:
6:27 am PDT, Jun 29, Name not displayed, North Dakota
# 169:
3:37 am PDT, Jun 29, LAURA CAMPANELLI, Florida
# 168:
1:07 am PDT, Jun 29, Marjorie Dawson, New Zealand
This is NOT the piggies fault so you must perhaps tread into new territory and, if the pig is happy, let them stay at home.!
# 167:
12:36 am PDT, Jun 29, Mylisa Lee Brinker, California
# 166:
11:16 pm PDT, Jun 28, Kat Yazzie, Kansas
# 165:
10:24 pm PDT, Jun 28, Irere Galbraith, Tennessee
# 164:
10:23 pm PDT, Jun 28, Michelle Simpson, Tennessee
# 163:
10:01 pm PDT, Jun 28, Rebecca Strickland, Texas
# 162:
8:21 pm PDT, Jun 28, Deronda ONeill, North Dakota
# 161:
7:25 pm PDT, Jun 28, Jamerson Bryan, Mississippi
Support =)
# 160:
6:07 pm PDT, Jun 28, Elaine West, Florida
# 159:
5:45 pm PDT, Jun 28, Dorothy Hull, Montana
# 158:
5:44 pm PDT, Jun 28, Shell Auker, Pennsylvania
# 157:
5:36 pm PDT, Jun 28, Ryann Ivins, Florida
# 156:
4:50 pm PDT, Jun 28, Jason Dabney, North Carolina
I think banning potbellied pigs is bad. They are really sweet friends of mine. They are our family pets and they live in the house along with our dogs and cats. They are the cleanest out of all of them. No smells, no loud anything, We live just a county over and were looking to relocate there, but we have pet pigs, so now we don't know if we can.
# 155:
4:41 pm PDT, Jun 28, Linda Alderman, North Carolina
My daughter has 2 pet pigs that she keeps in the house. They are the cleanest pets and very loyal and loving. Please allow the pigs to stay and change the ordinance to read domestic animals can stay and include these cute fellows.
# 154:
1:23 pm PDT, Jun 28, Meredith Board, Ohio
These pigs are PETS! They are no harm to the community and should be allowed.
# 153:
1:11 pm PDT, Jun 28, Terri Monroe, Washington
I have had four bot-bellied pigs, and they were cleaner than any dog or cat. They choose one spot to go to the bathroom, and don't do it all over like dogs. They don't bark and keep people awake at night like dogs, or yowl at night like cats. How can you be so heartless as to take away this child's best friend??
# 152:
10:58 am PDT, Jun 28, Wendy Alderman, North Carolina
Please allow pet potbellied pigs to stay in their homes. They are the most fantastic pets who are charming, sweet, loving and highly intelligent. I have 2 pigs and they mean more to me in this world than anything else. Pigs get very attached to their owners and will suffer extreme depression if taken out of their familiar environment. Not to mention the depression and sadness of the owners who love and care for these wonderful pets.
# 151:
9:57 pm PDT, Jun 27, Wendy Piedmonte, Texas
My family shares our home with several large breed, high energy dogs and one very laid back Pot Bellied Pig. Thankfully this is legal in my area but should it change I would fight. Our porcine family member makes far less noise or mess than any of the canines. Pigs don't bark, howl or bite the postman. I mean when is the last time you heard of a pet pig attacking someone?? Should you choose not to change the way the new law reads then a grandfather claus 'must' be added as people who are responsible pet owners should be rewarded for that efforts not penalized.
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