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'Pignorance' Separates Autistic Boy from His Potbellied Pig

July 14, 2009, 11:41AM MT

By Cathy Scott, Best Friends staff writer

Mom battles city officials in Fayetteville, N.C. who say pig must go.

An 8-year-old autistic boy wants his potbellied pig back. Loopey, Anthony’s 1-year-old Vietnamese pig, was recently ordered out of the family’s Fayetteville, North Carolina home, with officials citing a violation of a city ordinance.

Anthony’s mother, Lisa Pia, is taking her appeal to City Hall with the goal of changing a 20-year-old ordinance so that it classifies potbellies as companion animals.

Most of all, Anthony wants to keep Loopey by his side because she helps him with his autism. “She has been a blessing for my son,” Pia says. “He has been comforted and unconditionally loved by Loopey, as she has by him. The way my son has reacted to Loopey is amazing. She is a very smart animal and has become a very important part of this family.”

Loopey was banned from the family’s home, even though she had lived with them for a year without any problems. In fact, Pia says the neighborhood kids often stop by to play with Anthony and his friendly pig.

But the city says its ordinance bans barnyard pigs from living within the city limits. Pia, however, points out that the United States Department of Agriculture recognizes potbellies as companion pets and not livestock. Pia is asking that the city ordinance be changed to comply with the USDA’s distinction.

“I understand that you can have chickens, horses, rabbits and goats inside city limits, within the guidelines.” Pia says. “I feel Loopey should be in that same class. She is a potbelly, no bigger than a dog. She is not a large farm hog.”

Loopey was just 8 weeks old when she moved in with the Pias. “It was love at first sight,” Pia says. “Anthony had her in a blanket all the time, like she was his baby. She has always been so lovable, and they would follow each other around and lie on the floor together and chase each other in the back yard. They have grown very close.”

Yvonne McIntosh, manager of Best Friends’ Piggy Paradise where the potbellies live on the sanctuary grounds, says she’s not at all surprised by Loopey and Anthony’s connection to each other.

“Anyone who has ever bonded with an animal knows the friendship that is created between a human and an animal can never be replaced,” McIntosh says. “In this case, I don't think anyone needs to be a doctor to realize that Loopey has touched this boy in a way a human could not.”

And that’s why McIntosh says she encourages city officials to let Loopey continue to live with Anthony. “To deny this special young man his companion with whom he has bonded is a crime in itself,” she says. “The consequences that the boy would suffer would be unimaginable, especially given that he has autism. I certainly hope that the people wanting to separate this boy and his pig choose to learn about pigs and rid themselves of the pignorance that is causing them to want the pig gone.”

After the Pias, who have three other children, were told that Loopey did not fit the city’s description of “pet” and Loopey was ordered gone from the home, Pia vowed to take her fight to City Hall. She is scheduled to appear before the council at a hearing, scheduled for August 3.

She followed the rules and complied, at least temporarily, with the city’s order. “We moved Loopey out so we could fight this,” Pia says. “My son is so upset over this. He screamed and cried. He could not sleep the first few days.” His mother says she has never seen her son so heartbroken.

The ranch the Pias adopted Loopey from has agreed to keep her with them until the family gets a decision from city officials.

“We love Loopey so much and want her back home,” Lisa says. “She does not disturb anyone. She is a quiet, sweet, loving, good-natured, and a part of this family. Loopey belongs home with Anthony.”

How You Can Help
If you’d like to help get Loopey home, please click here to sign the petition. Lisa Pia will be delivering it to the Fayetteville town council.

Photos courtesy of the Pia family

Comments

Posted July 14, 2009, 2:21PM by dixiesherman

I just signed the petition and I hope and pray that the city council will allow Loopey to come back to her home. I will never understand the ignorance of people. Bless you Lisa, Anthony and Loopey. Please keep us posted on how all of you are doing and the outcome.

Posted July 14, 2009, 9:52PM by cottageantiques

Ditto! I signed the petition as well. Thanks for bringing this story to us. Doesn't that city have better things to do? Crazy. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for that family.

Posted July 15, 2009, 12:4PM by cathyscott

More than 200 people have now signed the petition! Please keep 'em coming. We'll post a follow-up story after the August council hearing to let everyone know how it went.

Posted July 15, 2009, 3:36PM by mtnspirit

Where do I sign? Regards, janet

Posted July 15, 2009, 3:52PM by cathyscott

The petition link is at the bottom of the story. But here's the direct link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/loopey-for-autism

Posted July 15, 2009, 8:44PM by Eileen Wanamaker

Thank you for publishing this article. It truly is ignorance about the qualities of these special creatures. I will never understand the acceptance of dogs and cats as companions and the rejection of potbellied pigs. I can not imagine Anthony being separated from his very special companion Loopey. I hope that the powers that be open their minds and hearts to the facts about this situation. Thanks Best Friends for being there to help. Eileen Wanamaker

Posted July 16, 2009, 12:10AM by Cairo

Ignorance, ignorance! I am so sorry this has to happen To Anthony and Loopey and the family. I am so tired of people's ignorance regarding animals, it's unbelievable. But, on the positive note, if this hadn't happened, it wouldn't have brought the publicity needed to change this law in other counties and cities. I will send positive thoughts to Loopey and Anthony and also his courageous mother, to fight the city. I have a very good feeling the outcome will be positive! And a huge hug for Best Friends! Bless you all, again, and again! Brenda from Canada

Posted July 16, 2009, 1:22PM by LISA PIA

HELLO ALL,THIS IS LISA PIA.THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP.PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING.THANK YOU TO BEST FRIENDS ARTICLE.YOU ARE THE BEST.PLEASE KEEP THE SIGNATURES COMING WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.MY SON AND LOOPEY THANK YOU...LOVE THE PIA FAMILY

Posted July 16, 2009, 7:32PM by helenemmerson

Have you explored the possibility that Loopey be considered an assistant/service animal? Check to see if she can be registered as such and if so, the city would be in violation of the American Disability Act. This would be an area that the ACLU would probably be interested in. We hope things work out for you and Loopey rightfully gets to rejoin her family. We are sponsors for 3 potbellied pigs at a sanctuary in Arizona and we do know how special and compelling their personalities can be. Best of Luck to all of you and of course we will sign the petition! Helen and Rick Emmerson

Posted July 16, 2009, 9:28PM by mrissmart

EVEN THOUGH I DON'T LIVE IN AMERICA I SIGNED THE PETITION. I HAVE SEEN FIRST HAND WHAT ANIMALS CAN DO FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. MY 3 DOGS ARE LIVING PROOF OF THAT. I GOT A COUPLE OF DISABILITIES. ONE OF THEM IS NONVERBAL LEARNING DISORDER WHICH UNDER THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. MY DOGS PROVIDE ME A CHANCE TO FEEL UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, KINDNESS, AND COMPANIONSHIP. I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO ORGANIZATIONS WHO HELP DOGS FIND GOOD OWNERS BECAUSE ALL MY DOGS ARE RESCUES SO I VOLUNTEER AT 2 OF MY LOCAL SHELTERS. I HELP THEM TEACH ABOUT RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP WHILE TRYING TO MAKE THE ANIMALS THERE MORE ADOPTABLE. I WANT OTHER PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE THE LOVE THAT I HAVE RECIEVED (AND CONTINUE TO RECIEVE) FROM MY DOGS. I ALSO WORK WITH KIDS (SOME WHO HAVE AUTISM) AND I KNOW THEY SOMETIMES FEEL LONELY. I ALSO THAT PETS (INCLUDING PIGS) CAN HELP THEM OVERCOME MANY BARRIERS AND THAT NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO WITHHOLD SOMEONE FROM HAVING A PET. NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE THE ONE THING THAT KIDS WITH DISABILITIES NEED. ANIMALS ALSO NEED A GOOD HOME. HERE IS FAMILY THAT NEEDS AN ANIMAL TO HELP THEIR CHILD, AND HERE IS A ANIMAL THAT NEEDS A HOME- TOGETHER THEY CREATE A GREAT ENVIORMENT FOR BOTH THE CHILD AND THE ANIMAL- NO CITY (OR ANY LEVEL OF GOV'T FOR THAT FACT) HAS THE RIGHT TO DENY THE FAMILY A CHANCE TO GIVE THIS PET A GOOD HOME. NO ONE ALSO HAS THE RIGHT TO DENY THE FAMILY FOR GETTING HELP FOR THEIR CHILD. THAT IS WRONG IF THEY DO THAT! I AM GLAD THE FAMILY HAS DECIDED TO GET HELP FROM BEST FRIENDS AND THAT BEST FRIENDS IS HELPING THEM OUT. I WISH THE FAMILY A LOT OF GOOD LUCK! I THINK THAT AS LONG AS THEIR HEART ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR BOTH THE CHILD AND THE PIG- THE PIG SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO LIVE WITH THEM.

Posted July 16, 2009, 11:16PM by speshalkinca

signed petition and keeping fingers crossed… our pets [no matter what form they are packaged in!] do us all so much good. I hope Anthony gets his piglet pal back… I'm also sure Loopey is missing him as well!

Posted July 17, 2009, 7:10AM by Cheryl Cote

We had a similiar situation in South Carolina. Two other individuals, as well as myself, who own potbellies appeared at our local city council meeting. (I also took my potbelly, Root-E, with me but he was denied entrance). After making our statements city council still voted to ban the potbellies. We then decided to stage a protest march which we announced on our local radio station. Amazingly, I got a call from our mayor pro-tem who stated if we would not march city council would reconsider. They did - AND REVERSED THEMSELVES!!! Pot bellies are still allowed in the confines of our city. Don't give up!

Posted July 17, 2009, 12:57PM by AGriffin

My question is this: Who reported or complained so that the City was made aware of the presence of the pig? Perhaps some community-wide education on the benefits Loopey brings to the family and the community. By sharing this information and asking that anyone who had any questions or complaints openly come to the family so that true communication could take place may alleviate the need to fight. I've found that most conflicts are caused or exacerbated by lack of open communication. Its important that the concerns of the community be taken seriously and addressed openly, honestly and without hositility.

Posted July 17, 2009, 1:19PM by lynndolan

I will garentee that this special boy and his special pig communicate on a level we may never understand. How can anyone separate 2 beings kissed by God? How dare you try to change the universal energy that these 2 share.

Posted July 17, 2009, 2:13PM by GIMS625

I agree with AGriffin (Posted July 17, 2009, 12:57PM). Someone had to have lodged a complaint for Loopey to even come to the attention of the city. Petitioning to change the rules, or to request an exception, is worthwhile, but communication with the community would probably be even more valuable. Good luck reuniting Loopey & Anthony!

Posted July 17, 2009, 2:23PM by genv

Can the pig be certified a therapy animal? Would your child's doctors write letters in support of the pig staying for your child's health? This might be an additional avenue to try.

Posted July 17, 2009, 2:51PM by Kathy Sevy

Good Luck to you. I agree that pot belly pigs are not farm animals but companion animals/pets. Several other comments are note worthy. Have the intention of talking with your neighobors, usually when people find out how much the relationship has helped a young child learn and grow in ways that other wise would have taken much longer people realize how important it is to keep it going. Get Loopey registered as a therapy pig, I hear that it isn't just for dogs any more. And, change that out dated city ordinance. I also agree with several others that someone complained and they may or may not let you know. Some people will see a pig as a pig and you won't change their minds, so don't. Pursue this because it is the right thing to do and in time that individual will see that you did what your heart told you and it was the right thing.

Posted July 17, 2009, 2:56PM by beaus_mom

I signed and forwarded. I sure hope the city does the right thing and allows Loopey to come home to the Pia's. T

Posted July 17, 2009, 3:30PM by Abbey1

ILike to say GOOD LUCK to YOU- lisa and ANTHONY! I really hope you will win. I know how you feel, because I once had a PT BELLY PIG named SYDNEY, which is a House Pet , not a FARM PIG, AND I had to get Rid of SYDNEY, because I Live in the City of OSHKOSH. Seems Like we cant what we want these days! GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS TO THE BOTH OF YOU. ALWAYS, LORI HENRY

Posted July 17, 2009, 5:0PM by JKaplan33

Lisa I think you should certify your pig as an assistance animal for your autistic son. The federal law would protect your son under the ADA since the animal is an assistance animal and not a pet.

Posted July 17, 2009, 7:44PM by patriciarn

Be persistant with getting Loopey ok'd to be in the city. A single, spayed pot belly pig who is such a great assistance to a young man should be allowed to live in the city. I have 5 rescued pot bellies. After having all spayed or neutered, they are great pets.

Posted July 17, 2009, 9:44PM by katejazmine

Why has Loopey not been declared as a ADA Companion Animal? Surely Anthony's mother could have his doctor speak on his behalf! Although the ADA rules I have read refer to companion animals in rented residences, it would seem an attorney could argue the right to Companion Animals should extend to a person living in a home within city limits? Perhaps one of the following is a good starting place for Pia to begin. The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II I hope the parents of the neighborhood children will speak up for Anthony and his family and appear at the council meeting to request a "variance" based on the emotional and medical needs of this child. God Bless the family and don't give up!

Posted July 18, 2009, 4:28PM by prycelessg

The city council of Fayetteville has a lot more to be concerned about i.e. Ft. Bragg soldiers out on the town and misbehaving. A pot belly pig is a wonderful creature. I have 2 that moved with me from Southern Pines, NC to GA. If they deprive an Autistic boy of his friend, they should be placed under psychological care.

Posted July 19, 2009, 1:58AM by KinKStar

I had a pot bellied pig for a little while once. His name was Harley D. Hog, and he was a good boy who lived inside with 2 dogs and 1 cat. Harley was smart, and I have memories of his antics, and watching him grow. Within just a few months it was obvious he needed a better home, so he went to live on a farm, where the lady said she was going to make him a star! Dearest Anthony, one day you'll read these postings, and the comments in the petition. You might be amazed to see how many strangers took time to help you be able to keep your precious pig Loopey, but we wanted you to be happy sweetheart. Those in power needed to be told to do the right thing, and realize that sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Blessed life always to you and your family, and that includes Loopey - of course!

Posted July 19, 2009, 9:0PM by kissyfur

Companion Animals are just that and should be allowed in the home just like a cat or dog. The ordinance needs to change NOW as the longer the sperartion the more damage will done to all involved !!!!

Posted July 19, 2009, 9:46PM by tedkoran

Me and my wife Karen have 2 potbellied pigs, 2 horses and many other animals. Karen has severe epilepsy and Pinky, one of the potbellies, will scream to the top of his lungs until Karen recovers from a seizure. Ruby one of the horses will softly touch her huge lips all over Karen's face. The ignorant people of the city counsel must have better things to do than to show their stupidity and lack of compassion. Loopey looks just like our Gordy. For the counsel members, don't make a decision until you take a nap on Loopey's belly. It'll be the best nap you ever had and you'll wake up with an even bigger heart. I hope our local TV station runs this story. I signed the petition and sent the story to everyone I know and 10Connects in St. Pete, Fl. It'll turn out OK. Here's some of our critters Anthony and Lisa and readers: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=161230&id=1040644008&l=ca3a4d62fa

Posted July 19, 2009, 10:11PM by tedkoran

Below you'll find a pdf file with the addresses, fax and telephone numbers and emails of the City of Fayetteville City Council. Send this list to everyone. Write the counsil members, fax them and email them directly and help out Anthony and Lisa save their presious savior, Loopey. http://www.ci.fayetteville.nc.us/files/1827/download.aspx

Posted July 30, 2009, 11:9AM by Piggymomma

We are battling this same fight in the Panhandle of Florida. We received a complaint from the city based on a neighbor who allows her dogs to bark constantly. Our melon has lived with us since she was a handful and now she's 7 years old. We have 10 days to find her a home or fight city hall. We'll fight. She's a part of our lives and our family. Please email us at lyndiana@ATT.NET WITH any help or information to help our fight in Florida. Thanks and good luck.