CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- One Brandermill couple spent Tuesday night fighting to keep their pet pig, "Tucker."
Mark and Kim Johnson were recently notified that they had just a few days to get rid of "Tucker" because their neighborhood isn't zoned for what the county considers livestock.
Therefore, the Johnsons presented their case before the county’s planning commission and residents saying that "Tucker" is, “harmless, quiet, clean and their son.” “
Tucker is part of the family and he’s going to stay part of the family,” Johnson said..
The couple acquired the 150-pound, KuneKune pig nearly two years ago. Since then, the Johnson said they have kept him indoors.
The Johnsons are seeking a conditional use permit just for Tucker, which would require renewal every five years.
While most residents were in support of the Johnsons at Tuesday night’s meeting, some of their neighbors were still on the fence.
“They seem to be a responsible pet owner. I don’t believe everybody that has a pet pig is a responsible owner because there are cat owners who are dirty. There are dog owners who are horrible,” Bertha Washington said.
“If the county says yes to the Johnsons, what do they say to the next person with a pig, a goat, a cow or whatever?” asks Joe Herbst.
The Johnsons said if their permit is not granted, they plan to move out of their Brandermill home.
The county’s planning commission will take up this issue at a public hearing on Oct. 21.
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