I am writing on behalf of BACON and HEATHER, two Vietnamese pot-belled pigs living for the past 5 years with their adoptive family, in Newtown, Bucks County, Pa. BACON and HEATHER are not simply pets, they are a part of our family living in our home. BACON and HEATHER are well-mannered, intelligent, loving creatures and to remove them from their home, from their family, would be senseless and heartbreaking. Pot-bellied pigs are known to grow very close to their families and when separated often fall into deep depression and grieve themselves to death. BACON and HEATHER have been mistakenly referred to as "livestock" in correspondence received from the Newtown Board or Supervisors. The Newtown Board of Supervisors continually use the word "livestock," referring to the deed restriction concerning "livestock" in their warning letters. The World English Dictionary defines livestock as cattle, horses, poultry, and similar animals kept for domestic use but not as pets, esp. on a farm or ranch. Livestock animals are bred and raised to be slaughtered for food, or produce new generations of animals for food or continued reproduce. Spayed and neutered Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs can not reproduced. We are not familiar with anyone who routinely raises and slaughters potbellied pigs.
If a determination of this case rests on the distinction between pet and livestock, you should be aware that dogs and cats can fall under both categories. The distinction is how the animal lives, the minimum standards required for its upkeep under the law, and the purpose for which the owner retains the animal. We believe if the Newtown Board of Supervisors would use this criteria, they would unanimously agree BACON and HEATHER are pets and should remain with their family
By signing this petition, you are requesting the Newtown Board of Supervisors to reconsider their stance and allow BACON and HEATHER to stay where they belong, in their loving home with their family.
Thank you.
