Florissant Begins to Go 'Hog Wild'

Florissant has started to look like the Saint Louis Zoo with the variety of animals being brought to town.

Since late July 2011, the has reviewed nine requests for animals, including chickens, goats, a fox, a pig and a duck, to be allowed to remain with residents.

Ward 4 Councilman Keith English said he agreed there has been a noticeable increase during the past six months for special requests. 

"It just goes to show you the roots of Florissant and what people know," he said.

Before heading to council, the resident applies for the special permit from the city’s health department, which reviews the applications and makes sure the resident meets the correct guidelines, Health Department Office Clerk Kathy Earles said. The special permit lasts for three years.

English said that the pig has been the strangest request, and he expects a few more in the coming weeks.

There are some animals that the City of Florissant does not permit.

Earles said roosters and certain dog breeds, such as pitbulls or pitbull mixes are not allowed. In addition, she said that no more than four animals are usually allowed for a resident.

Monday, during the council’s executive session, Ward 2 Councilman John Grib brought up some points about making the application for animal requests a bit more detailed.

Currently, the application asks residents for the number and types of animals being kept, where the animals will be kept, the facilities provided for them and the size of the premises of the resident.

Grib said he would like to see additions such as support or problems from neighbors, a site drawing that includes dimensions and notes from the veterinarian regarding the animal.

“The city council would have the information before someone comes out here,” he said. “It’ll go faster for the person making the request.”

Grib said that the council would work with the administration to enhance the application.