Report: Boy's pet pig must go, therapy animal or no

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- An Arizona city is forcing a family to get rid of a pot-bellied pig that is serving as an emotional support animal for a 9-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome.

Arlene Gil told The Arizona Republic the city of Chandler wants to remove Maggie the pig from the family's home because the animal violates two city ordinances that prohibit pigs and other "livestock" animals on property zoned for single-family homes. Gil said Maggie is Julian's best friend.

"They are wonderful support animals. That's why we got her," she told The Republic. "She doesn't judge him. She doesn't laugh at him. She doesn't make him feel uncomfortable when he does things that aren't things like everybody else."

The city informed the Gil family the pig would need to vacate the premises Aug. 20 after officials received a complaint Maggie was causing an insect problem and was a nuisance. However, the family was granted an extension and now has until the day before Thanksgiving to get rid of Maggie.

"They said we had a tick infestation and visible livestock on the property," Gil told The Republic, disputing the claim.

The pig has been living with the family for the past three years.

"The federal law protects Maggie because she's an emotional support animal," attorney John Schill told The Republican. "This is not a zoning issue."

Schill explained to The Republic Julian's doctor submitted a letter attesting to Maggie's effectiveness as an emotional support animal. The family has also listed the pig with a national service animal registry.

Schill is meeting with city officials Friday. He said legal action is likely if the city does not change its position.