Fort Mill Woman May Be Forced To Give Up Pet Pot-Belly Pig

An ordinance may lead to one South Carolina woman losing her unique, beloved pet. Nicole Burrell has had her pet pot-belly pig, named Ruby Rose Marigold, for almost four years, but she recently received news from the city that she may have to give her up.

A notice from the Town of Fort Mill said having a pet pig is a violation of an ordinance. It also told Burrell that she had 15 days to get rid of Ruby, who she said is "like another child."

"I love her to death," said Burrell. "She's lovable, she's sweet, she doesn't have a bad bone in her body."

The ordinance says it is "unlawful" for people within town limits to have hogs, chickens, or other fowls. Burrell, however, doesn't see Ruby that way.

"She doesn't fall into the definition of a hog," said Burrell. "A hog is more than 300 pounds and reared for slaughter."

According to WCNC, Burrell will speak at a town meeting on Monday in defense of Ruby and even has signed support from neighbors to back her up. She also hopes to help people like her in the future by proposing a change to the ordinance.

As for the town's current rule?

"Just an outdated ordinance," she said. "It needs to be updated for what life is like today. It's just different."

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