Personable pig prompts panic over people pushing for peculiar pet permits

A Winnipeg woman's effort to keep a pig in her West End residence has some city councillors concerned about a flood of appeals involving other animals.

Emily Sydor appeared before city council's protection, community services and parks committee Friday to appeal an animal-services order to find somewhere else to keep her pet pig.

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In August, animal services wrote to Sydor, telling her she cannot keep a commercial animal, described as a hog, and ordered her to find "suitable accommodations" somewhere livestock is allowed.

In her appeal letter, Sydor said the animal helps her mental well-being and her neighbours are OK with the pig.

No one appeared at city hall to oppose hereffort to keep her pig. She broke down in tears when she described her "special connection" to the animal.

When Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt said he was prepared to uphold her appeal, Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadiesaid he feared that could open up a flood of appeals for people wishing to keep other animals that are not permitted within the City of Winnipeg.

The committee voted to adjourn the appeal for one month. Eadie encouraged Sydor to contact the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.