City may change code to allow pot-bellied pet

Carson City could change a code at staff's request that would allow Mayor Bob Crowell to bring home his pot-bellied pig, Arnold.

The Board of Supervisors would have to approve a staff proposal twice for the change to be adopted. City code doesn't allow livestock, including pigs, in most residential areas of the city.

Crowell had to give up the nearly-blind, arthritic pig during his successful run for mayor in the fall. Arnold is now with an animal rescue group.

The code would be fairly simple to change if the city wanted to, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Melanie Bruketta.

"I don't see any reason why it couldn't be," she said.

Carson City wouldn't be the first place in Northern Nevada to allow pigs as pets in residential areas if it changed its code. Sparks allows people in residential areas to have one Vietnamese pot-bellied pig if it is neutered or spayed.

Washoe County allows pet pigs and leaves cities to make their own pet codes.

Former Mayor Marv Teixeira pardoned Arnold earlier this month as his last act in office. The district attorney's office said a mayor does not have the power to issue pardons, however.

Teixeira again called for the pig to be freed during the former mayor's charity roast. "Bring Arnold home!" he yelled as he led a chant.

Pat Wiggins, city animal regulation supervisor, said he isn't opposed to updating the law as people shift their opinions about animals.

"Nothing is set in stone," he said. "Everything can change."

Wiggins said he has received "quite a few" angry phone calls from the public about Arnold's move. Those people should understand that Arnold is in a safe, comfortable place, Wiggins said.

Arnold was doing well when he visited him a few days ago, Wiggins said.

He has declined to say where Arnold is staying.

Crowell said he will not ask for a change in the code. Carson City Animal Services can get a code revision cleared with the District Attorney and bring it to the board of supervisors if it wishes, he said.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.