Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animals And Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves ordinance allowing limited miniature pigs in some residential areas
Summary
The Anne Arundel County Council on Feb. 18 passed Bill 6-25 to reclassify miniature pigs as pets in specified residential zones, after public testimony both for and against the measure and assurances from sponsors that existing animal-care code would still apply.
Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler introduced Bill 6-25 to reclassify miniature pigs as pets in certain residential districts and the council voted to pass the ordinance as amended. The measure, she said, was prompted by a constituent and was narrowed before the hearing to require spaying or neutering, a maximum of two pet pigs per property and specified enclosure setbacks. "I hope this evening we can pass this bill and get Alfred home," Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler said.
The administration, represented by Ethan Hunt, said staff from Planning and Zoning and the County Attorney's Office took part in drafting and were comfortable with the bill as amended. "We're happy to answer any questions, but we're comfortable with the bill where it is," Hunt said.
Public testimony was mixed. Opponents included Greg Fisk of the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors and Mary Groban, a property manager, who argued the ordinance would conflict with homeowners association covenants and cited potential impacts on property values and enforcement. "By overriding these agreements, Bill 6-25 disregards the contractual rights of homeowners and weakens the foundational governance of HOAs," Greg Fisk testified.
Supporters included resident Jim Liers, who described rescuing an abandoned miniature pig and said the bill balanced animal welfare with community protections by including lot-size and buffer requirements. "This bill proposes reasonable regulations ... these measures ensure that while residents like myself can enjoy the freedom to care for a pet on their property, the remainder of the community remains protected," Liers said. The Animal Welfare Council also submitted supportive findings and told the council there is only one permitted miniature pig in the county and no complaints in the last five years.
Council members discussed existing code provisions that apply to animal enclosures, veterinary care and nuisance standards and noted civil penalties for violations can be enforced under current county code sections referenced during debate.
On a roll call, Bill 6-25 as amended was recorded as passed with seven ayes and no nays: Leadbetter—Aye; Smith—Aye; Pickard—Aye; Volkke—Aye; Fiedler—Aye; Radbien—Aye; Hummer—Aye.
