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Nebraska woman fights to keep newly returned pet pig

By Daniel Uria
A missing pig's reunion with its owner was cut short due to a city ordinance banning exotic pets. Screen capture/KETV/Inform Inc.
A missing pig's reunion with its owner was cut short due to a city ordinance banning exotic pets. Screen capture/KETV/Inform Inc.

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Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A missing pig may be separated from its family in Nebraska once again due to a city ordinance banning exotic pets.

Jo Ann Hagan, of Papillion, hopes to persuade the city to change the rule which may spoil her reunion with her pet pig, Tori, who was caught after being struck by a car.

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"Our city ordinance is pretty specific about mini-pigs, as well as exotic animals that aren't allowed within the city," Trenton Albers, city communication manager, said. "We're always willing to have dialogue with our residents. Ultimately, it comes down to whether city council feels that there's a change that needs to be made."

The Nebraska Humane Society states that pigs are only allowed as pets in Omaha, Springfield and Bellevue.

Hagan was issued a citation giving her 30 days to find new homes for he 5-month-old, 28-pound Tori and her full-grown 70-pound potbellied pig, named Lucy.

Hagan noted the pigs have made for great pets, but said she wouldn't have gotten them if she was aware they weren't allowed.

"They are easy to care for, they're loving and they're smart," she said.

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Mark Langan, vice president of field operations for the Humane Society, said the agency hadn't received any complaints about the pets, but became aware of them on social media after Tori went missing.

Hagan plans to meet with Papillion City Administrator Chris Myers and will appear before a judge in Sarpy County Court in November as part of her citation.

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