What a situation!
A pet pig from Staten Island has gained quite a following after a recent dispute with health officials, and the local mayor, Eric Adams, has now stepped in to resolve things.
Lori Anne Ganon, Lucy the Pygmy Pig’s owner, received a supportive call from first vice mayor Randy Mastro, who confirmed that Lucy could stay at home for her final year.
“I really appreciate him,” Ganon expressed regarding the mayor. “Lucy is doing well now. This allows her to maintain her health and get back to her usual self.”
The 15-year-old pig, dealing with health issues, faced the risk of removal after a neighbor lodged complaints earlier this month.
The city’s health department got involved, trying to enforce a regulation that prohibits keeping pigs as pets in the city. They warned Lucy’s family about potential fines, reaching as high as $18,000, or even eviction.
The local community rallied around Lucy, generating over 13,000 signatures on a petition advocating for her to remain with her family.
Ganon expressed her bewilderment over the situation, saying, “I just don’t get why this is an issue. My pig is unwell, and I’m renovating my home, so she needs to stay here.”
Support also came from local officials and community members, who raised their voices in Lucy’s favor. Council members and others made it clear they opposed the potential enforcement actions.
“This is about more than just a pig; Lucy has been a part of this family and hasn’t caused any trouble,” officials emphasized, mentioning that they had yet to take any enforcement actions.
“While pig ownership is against city regulations, Lucy can stay for now, especially as her family intends to move her to their upstate home once she’s better,” the mayor noted.
“New York welcomes tourists, but let’s leave the pigs behind.”
