To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Bill Detweiler, Director of Development Services
Mary Shaw, Zoning Manager, Development Services
Title
Discussion/Direction: Pot-Bellied Pigs
Body
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Executive Summary
Town Council received an inquiry from a resident requesting that Council consider amending Town code for the possibility of allowing pot-bellied pigs as household pets. Currently the Town animal code prohibits the keeping of hoofed livestock, including Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Council directed staff to research the issue and provide Council with an overview on whether Town code can be amended to allow pot-bellied pigs as household pets in the Town.
Staff is seeking discussion about and direction from Council whether to explore the idea of amending Town regulations to allow miniature pot-bellied pigs as household pets in residential districts.
Discussion
Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, domesticated swine that originated in Asia and China, have been in North America since 1985. There are two official breed types that are recognized for registration and allowed to be imported into the U.S., but there are no accurate statistics for total number in the U.S. today. A full grown Vietnamese pot-bellied pig weighs approximately one hundred twenty (120) to one hundred fifty (150) pounds, or more, and these swine are believed to have a life span of twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years.
Studies show that pot-bellied pigs have an inherent need for social companionship, display domestic tendencies, and are intelligent and trainable. They are also known to be curious, playful, head-strong and sensitive.
Recent research indicates pot-bellied pigs are becoming a problem for some humane organizations and are sometimes relinquished because the animals grew larger than expected and because of aggressive herd animal tendencies.
Surrounding Communities:
The allowance of pot-bellied pigs as household pets has been considered and acted upon in other communities within Douglas County.
Douglas County:
Pot-bellied pigs are considered domestic household pets and are allowed as an accessory use on residential parcels, subject to the following regulations:
Up to eight (8) household pets of more than 4 months of age are allowed on parcels in the A-1 (Agriculture 1) zone. The A-1 zone district is characterized by large-acreage farms, ranches, open areas, farm houses… and other uses allowed which enhance and promote the openness and general rural nature of the County. Urban development is strongly discouraged. Parcels zoned A-1 consist of a minimum of thirty five (35) acres, on average.
Council should note, by way of comparison, Town residential parcels average in size from 0.19 to two (2) acres.
Up to eight (8) household pets of more than four (4) months of age are allowed on parcels in the LRR (Large Rural Residential) zone. The LRR zone is characterized by large-lot residential uses with limited farming, ranching, or tree farming activities and the preservation of such land as open rural area. The density range is from one dwelling per 34.9 acres to one dwelling per 10 acres.
No more than four (4) household pets of more than 4 months of age are permitted per residential dwelling in all other zone districts.
Castle Pines and Lone Tree:
Pot-bellied pigs are considered livestock, as swine, and are strictly prohibited within the municipal boundaries.
Parker:
Pot-bellied pigs are allowed to be kept as household pets, subject to the following limitations: No more than one pot-bellied pig is allowed to be kept per residential property; the pig must be registered through a bona fide potbellied pig registry or certified by a veterinarian and licensed by the Town at aged 4 months or older. Male pigs are required to be neutered prior to six months of age; a pig may be no larger than one hundred fifty (150) pounds in weight; and animals must be maintained as pets and not raised for breeding or human consumption.
Covenants, Codes and Restrictions (CCR’s):
HOA CCR’s may be more restrictive than the Town code to impose animal restrictions and such restrictions are administered by the local HOA. Council should be aware that approval of a code amendment to allow pot-bellied pigs as household pets in residential zones may not apply Town-wide as individual HOA CCR’s may prohibit the keeping of this type of hoofed livestock. In this case, the Town Ordinance would not override the local CCR’s.
Staff Findings
Staff finds that Town code prohibits the possession or keeping of swine and other hoofed animals, including pot-bellied pigs, within the Municipal boundaries.
Staff also finds that although Town code can be amended to define and regulate pot-bellied pigs as domestic household pets, research provides data that pot-bellied pigs are considered an exotic pet that may require unique standards, if allowed.
Staff Recommendation
If further consideration is given to amend Town code to allow pot-bellied pigs as household pets, staff recommends that Council should also consider adopting regulations and standards for the keeping of swine (similar to the Town of Parker) to protect the residential character of Town neighborhoods.