NC family 1 step closer to keeping pet pig

FAYETTEVILLE -- A North Carolina family who says a potbellied pig is therapeutic for their autistic son is closer to being able to keep the animal at home. The Fayetteville Observer reports that the city council directed staff members Monday to research how to revise an ordinance that now bars hogs inside the city. Members want to know how to reword the ordinance to allow domesticated pigs as pets. Lisa Pia and her husband want to keep their potbellied pig, Loopey, who they say is therapeutic for their autistic son. They say they didn't know about the city's swine ban when they bought the animal last year. Loopey now lives on a ranch. The council is expected to discuss the issue Sept. 8. A final adoption of an ordinance change could be on the agenda Sept. 14. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)