Therapy Pig May Get to Stay in Batavia

BATAVIA, IL - Greg Brown's therapy pet, a teacup pig named Pigly Brown, may get a reprieve from a city ordinance that typically outlaws his kind within the city's limits. During a meeting on Tuesday, city administrator Laura Newman recommended aldermen allow Pigly to stay in town as an exception to the city's law that bans livestock other than chickens, the Daily Herald reports.

The pig serves as an emotional-support pet for Brown, who suffers from depression.

Pigly has been spotted by many around town and Brown has brought his pet with him to Buddha Gandhi and Me wellness and meditation studio, a business he owns in downtown Batavia. While many think the pig is adorable (Pigly even has a Facebook page with over 650 followers), not everyone has welcomed the pig's presence.

In late February, city officials sent Brown a letter notifying him his pet was in violation of a city ordinance after receiving about a dozen complaints about Pigly, Batavia city administrator Laura Newman told Patch. Brown has since argued to keep his pet.

And, if Batavia aldermen decided to go along with his request, Pigly and Brown will have to adhere to several rules. Brown will have to supply vaccination records that show Pigly is up to date on shots that are appropriate for a pig and will have to pick up Pigly's waste, the Daily Herald reports. Pigly will also have to be leashed when out and about.

In addition, Brown will be held responsible for any damage Pigly might cause, and if Pigly bites anyone, it will be reported to the Kane County Animal Control Department, according to the Kane County Chronicle. Brown will not be allowed to take Pigly into any establishment that sells or serves food.

The Batavia City Council is set to vote on whether to give Pigly a reprieve during its May 1 meeting.

Until then, here are some adorable photos and videos of Pigly.

More via the Kane County Chronicle and the Daily Herald

Photo via the Pigly Brown Facebook page