Frederick resident asks trustees to allow two elderly rescued pot‑bellied pigs to remain; mayor asks staff to pursue temporary waiver

Laura Duncan, a Frederick property owner, asked the Board of Trustees on May 6 for a temporary, compassionate exception to allow her two elderly rescued American mini/mini pot‑bellied pigs to remain at her home.

“I am here to respectfully request approval to keep my two elderly rescued American mini pot bellied pigs,” Duncan told the board, saying the animals are house trained, do not create disturbances, and are more than 18 years old. She said the pigs were rescued from neglect and that relocation now would be stressful and could harm their health.

Multiple supporters spoke in favor. Christine Castro, who described herself as a client of Duncan’s, called the animals “therapeutic” and said she did not notice odors or disturbance when visiting the property. Erin (identified as Duncan’s daughter and a Frederick renter) said she has lived with the animals for a month and that the pigs are quiet and well cared for. Joe Duncan asked the board to consider changing the municipal ordinance that currently excludes pigs as a permitted species in downtown areas.

Mayor Kreitz responded that staff had already researched potential options. She asked the director of planning (Ally) to work with Laura Duncan on a temporary waiver so the pigs could remain while the board schedules a future discussion to consider ordinance changes. "For now, I would ask Ally if you're willing to work with Laura on a temporary waiver so that her aging piggies can stay in her home," the mayor said.

Why it matters: The exchange highlights how residents can use public comment to request exceptions to municipal code, how staff can use administrative waivers for temporary relief, and that the board intends to address broader code language about permitted species at a later meeting.