Pot BellyPigs

Question
is it illegal to own a Pot Belly Pig inside the city Limits of Fulton Missouri

Answer
Every city or village has their own set of zoning rules. You can get a copy of the rules for your residence from your City Hall Building Department.

Do not rely on what someone tells you over the phone - get a copy of the actual zoning rules or ordinances in writing. Your city government must provide this to you if you ask. Some communities have this information available on their website. If so, print it out and keep a copy.

It's a sad story that happens over and over again. Someone calls City Hall to ask about having a pot-bellied pig. The person answering the phone doesn't know and doesn't bother to check. Later, a neighbor complains, a city official actually looks at the ordinances, and the pig is not allowed. The verbal assurances mean nothing - the pig must go, or the owner must move, or the owner must get the laws changed. So do not rely on a verbal answer, insist on a written copy of the rule. If a complaint is lodged, you will have written, irrefutable proof that your pig is permitted.

Also, Home Owner Association rules and regulations are just as legally binding as village or city laws. So if you live in a development with a HOA, be sure to check their rules also. It goes without saying that if you are renting, the landlord must approve.

If the zoning ordinances or rules explicitly allow pot-bellied pigs, you're in luck! Usually there's a limit on the number of pigs per residence. Some require pet pigs to get rabies vaccines, or have a fenced outdoor area.

If the rules expressly forbid pet pigs, you'll need to get the rules or laws changed. Chances are, the ordinances will ban "livestock, including swine". Pot-bellied pigs are swine, but according to the USDA they are pets not livestock, so technically they are exempt from the ban. If a complaint is lodged, there is plenty of legal precedent to prove that pot-bellied pigs are pets not livestock.

It's not impossible to change Home Owner Association rules, or local zoning ordinances, but it can be difficult. For more information on zoning, visit petpigzone.com