Community member Patty Louis spoke of a pig running rampant in her neighborhood at a Stockton City Council meeting on Tuesday.
“The pig runs the street,” Louis said. “It’s not just in my yard, he’s in other yards.”
The problem has been ongoing for two months, Louis, who lives in central Stockton, said. She is worried about holes being “constantly” dug up in her poorly-fenced yard.
“The city of Stockton has let me down,” Louis said. “I’ve been to the city animal shelter, the city code enforcer, the city manager and now I’m here at the city council.”
According to David Scott, a public information officer for the Stockton Police Department and Stockton Animal Services, the pig was reported on July 14. Scott did not disclose the reporter’s identity. An officer responded to the complaint two days later during morning hours and reportedly didn’t see any loose pigs.
The anonymous reporter said a black pig with white spots often roams loose around the neighborhood located at Montclair Street. They claimed it digs holes in their yard, Scott said.
On Wednesday, the pig was seen lying down in its yard. However, the owner did not answer the door.
“He’s breaking the law,” Louis said at the Stockton City Council meeting. “I shouldn’t have to have $6,000 for a fence.”
According to Scott, the pig’s residency violates city code. It states that swine are not allowed within city limits. Urban livestock can cause an array of issues, including noise and odor complaints, water contamination, traffic accidents if let loose and the spread of animal-borne diseases to humans.
The pig is a seven-month-old potbelly pig, according to Scott. A neighbor who prefers to remain anonymous told Stocktonia the pig’s name is “Wiggly.” They also said the pig is not a nuisance in the neighborhood.
“We don’t have a problem with it,” the neighbor said. “The pig is usually in the backyard. It does escape because the neighbor’s fence is broken.”
When contacted by an officer, the owner of the pig admitted to having it, Scott said. They then agreed to rehome the animal within 14 days. Failure to comply results in a fine.
“Wiggly” lives in District 5 and is a constituent of Councilmember Brando Villapudua.
“To be honest, pigs aren’t exactly what I’d consider domesticated pets for a city setting, and they definitely shouldn’t be roaming freely and tearing up property,” Villapudua said in a written statement. “I just hope we’re not dealing with a wild boar based on the way it was described!”
Scott suggests the community call Stockton Animal Shelter to report animal concerns at 209-937-7445 or email at animalservices@stocktonca.gov.