Roanoke Rapids City Council will have to invest in due diligence before deciding whether to change an ordinance which prohibits keeping swine within the city limits, Mayor Emery Doughtie said.

The issue was brought before the panel this evening after an inquiry was made on whether the city allowed swine within its limits, police Chief Chuck Hasty said.

On its Facebook page, the police department recently posted it received several complaints about pet pigs in the city. The ordinance specifically states no person can keep swine within the city limits or 100 yards outside the city limits and it makes no distinction between swine kept as livestock or domesticated pet pigs.

The way the ordinance is written said Stacey Harrell who, with her husband, Lee, runs S&L Pet Shop on Roanoke Avenue, means currently the business can't sell pet pigs.

In a presentation to city council this evening, Harrell said, “As business owners, we feel that is our responsibility to come before you to propose an amendment to ordinance 91.10,” which is the number of the ordinance addressing the keeping of swine. “The proposal is to deem miniature pigs as domesticated animals with restrictions.”

Harrell said the breeds in question are Juliana's and potbellied pigs — true swine — but their weight will only range from 35 to 100 pounds with proper diet and exercise. “Contrary to popular belief,” she said, “Pigs are clean, non-allergenic, odor-free, flea-free, charming and inexpensive to feed as well as very social, thus bonding with humans very easily.”

Harrell said the pigs can become so attached to humans they can become easily depressed and anxious when separated. “They are very sensitive animals that can be playful and humorous at times. Pigs are highly trainable and intelligent with known cases such as dunking a ball or playing piano.”

On an intelligence scale, she said pigs are rated only three species away from humans, preceded only by primates, dolphin and whales. “So as long as you do not expect your pig to be anything else other than that, a potbellied or miniature pig can be a marvelous lifetime companion.”

While pigs don't bark, prowl the streets or spread rabies, there are drawbacks, she said, such as being very curious and they can be destructive when bored. “... The noise levels compared to other pets is very minimal, thus making these great pets in a close-quartered neighborhood.”

Several cities across the state have deemed miniature pigs domesticated such as Raleigh, which allows two pigs per household as long as they don't exceed 100 pounds and 22 inches in height.

Hickory allows one pig or goat per family, while Matthews, Weaverville, Charlotte, Belmont and Havelock all allow pigs with a permit. Gastonia allows miniature pigs without restrictions, she said.

Roanoke Rapids resident Bruce Robistow told council his experience with a pet pig, explaining when his wife had respiratory ailments, it become a good companion for her. The pig was house-broken within three days.

Robistow, who has bought a cockatoo from S&L, said, “The have a responsible business in Roanoke Rapids.

Hasty said following the meeting, “I will do research if it is requested by city council.”

Said Doughtie: “We will take it under advisement and do some due some due diligence. We want to make a decision we feel is best for the community.”