Framingham Board of Health grants permanent variance allowing mini pig 'Ash' as household pet with conditions

The Framingham City Board of Health voted unanimously to grant a permanent variance classifying Ash, a mini pig kept in an apartment at Interfaith Terrace, as a household pet, following a public hearing and testimony from the applicant and local officials.

The vote came after a hearing in which the board reviewed documentation, heard from the animal control officer and the public health inspector, and received public comment supporting the applicant. Darlene Connors, chair of the Board of Health, moved to grant the variance in perpetuity with conditions — ongoing veterinarian and farrier care, outdoor time as tolerated by Ash, maintenance of sanitary conditions, and authorization for animal-control inspections — and Karen Beauregard seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

The applicant, Dayla Acevedo, told the board that Ash is an emotional-support animal and described the animal’s care regimen, including periodic ivermectin treatment earlier for flaky skin and routine farrier visits. Acevedo said that a veterinarian had told her that repeat rabies vaccination was not necessary for pigs in this controlled, indoor setting; she provided a vet statement and other documentation supporting Ash’s care. Animal control officer Kathy McKenzie had submitted questions about parasite treatment, rabies vaccination records and inspection access; McKenzie confirmed she had performed a site visit during the initial variance application the prior year.

Public health inspector Matt LaFord told the board the department had received no complaints about Ash in the past year and confirmed that the board approved a one-year variance at the prior hearing. During the hearing LaFord relayed the animal-control officer’s questions and recommended inspection access be retained. Board members asked about property damage, veterinary oversight and whether Ash went outdoors; Acevedo said Ash is largely indoor, is litter-box trained and that farrier care is provided about twice a year.

Katarina Tobago, a member of the public, spoke in support of the variance. Bill (Health Director) and others noted that the applicant had provided a letter from a health care provider establishing a disability and the need for an assistance/ emotional-support animal, and that housing accommodations under the federal Fair Housing Act may apply but are outside the board’s scope.

Before voting, the board clarified that the decision to grant this specific variance does not set a blanket rule that all mini pigs are household pets; revisions to animal-keeping regulations are under consideration by the agricultural board. The board recorded the motion as passed with conditions and no abstentions.

The board’s formal actions, supporting documents from the applicant, and the animal-control officer’s opportunity to inspect Ash were entered into the public record.