Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 8.19 Pot-Bellied Pigs

Miniature pot-bellied pigs are increasing in popularity as domesticated pets and the keeping of not more than two such animals on any single family residentially zoned property, excluding the RA-5 and RC zones, is permitted in the City. However, as such animals are still livestock notwithstanding size, the keeping of such animal needs to be closely regulated and controlled to insure that such animal does not become a nuisance or danger to the general public and the neighborhood in which it is kept. The City Council finds that the keeping of pot-bellied pigs so as not to create a nuisance can be reasonably accommodated by licensing and other restrictions.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

For the purposes of this chapter, the words "pot-bellied pig" shall mean a domesticated miniature Vietnamese, Chinese or Asian pot-bellied or pot-belly pig not exceeding 125 pounds in weight and 18 inches in height measured at the shoulder.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the City's duly appointed and acting Animal Control Director as defined by this title and the deputies of such Animal Control Director. In addition, the provisions of this chapter may be enforced by any code compliance officer of the City.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 19 of this Code, it is unlawful for any person to own or have custody, control or possession of any pot-bellied pig within the City unless such pig is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter within ten calendar days upon said pig's entry to the City and unless said pig complies with the regulations as set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

Any person owning or having custody or control of a pot-bellied pig within the City may obtain a license for such pig from the Animal Control Director in accordance with the following procedures:

A. Application. File with the Animal Control Director an application on a form provided by the City which shall contain the following information:

1. The name and address of the applicant and the address of the property upon which the pot-bellied pig is to be kept;

2. The name, age and weight of the pot-bellied pig including any identifying marks or tattoos;

3. Such other information as the Animal Control Director deems appropriate.

B. License fee. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable license fee in an amount as may be established by resolution of the City Council.

C. Veterinary certification. The application shall be accompanied by a statement signed by a licensed veterinarian certifying that the pot-bellied pig has been spayed/neutered, that the pig is in good health and has received all necessary vaccinations, and the height and weight of the pig. Such certification shall be no older than 30 calendar days when submitted to the Animal Control Director.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

A. Issuance of license. The Animal Control Director shall issue a license for the keeping of a pot-bellied pig on a lot within the City zoned for such use upon the filing of a completed application and a finding that the animal meets the requirements set forth in subsections A through D of Section 8.19.070.

B. Term of license. Any license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance; provided, however, any license expiring on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, shall be valid until the next work day.

C. Renewals. Any license issued pursuant to this chapter may be renewed for periods of one year each upon the filing of an application for such renewal with the Animal Control Director accompanied by a nonrefundable renewal fee in an amount as may be established by resolution of the City Council. The renewal application shall be on such form as provided by City. The Animal Control Director shall issue such renewed license unless it is found that the pot-bellied pig is not in compliance with the regulations as set forth in Section 8.19.070.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

The owner or person having custody, control or possession of a pot-bellied pig within the City shall comply with the following regulations:

A. Spayed/neutered. The pot-bellied pig shall be spayed or neutered.

B. Weight. The pot-bellied pig shall not weigh more than 125 pounds.

C. Height. The pot-bellied pig shall not exceed 18 inches in height as measured from the shoulder of said animal.

D. De-tusked. Any male pot-bellied pig two years of age or older must have his tusks removed.

E. Confinement on premises. Each pot-bellied pig shall be provided with a fenced yard designed to assure that the animal is confined and managed in a safe, clean and odor-free manner when out-of-doors. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, the pot-bellied pig may be kept as a pet in the residence on the lot upon which said pig resides.

F. Leash requirements. Each pot-bellied pig while on a street, sidewalk or other public place shall be restrained by a harness and leash or similar restraint not longer than six feet in length held by a competent person.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)

The license for a pot-bellied pig issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked by the Animal Control Director upon the finding that the provisions of Subsections A through D of Section 8.19.070 have been violated and not corrected within ten calendar days of issuance by the Animal Control Director or a deputy of the Animal Control Director of a notice of such alleged violation or within such longer period as may be specified in the notice of violation. Upon failing to correct the violation within the required time, the Animal Control Director shall issue a written notice of the revocation of the license and the pot-bellied pig must be removed from the City within ten calendar days thereafter or such longer period as may be set forth in the notice of revocation.

(Ord. 6213 § 1 (part), 1995)