STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Staten Island community is rallying behind the Gannone family as they fight to keep their beloved pet pig, Lucy, amid pressure from city health officials for her removal.
Lucy, a 15-year-old pygmy pig, has been an emotional support animal for Michael Gannone, who rescued her after undergoing multiple surgeries. The bond between Lucy and the Gannone family has become a vital part of their lives, as they struggle with the prospect of losing her.
“We can’t imagine not having her around,” Michael Gannone expressed. “This is tearing all of us apart.”
Despite Lucy’s calm demeanor and the affection she receives from the family, the New York City Department of Health and Hygiene has ordered her removal following an anonymous complaint lodged by a neighbor.
According to the Gannone family, they now face potential fines ranging from $3,000 to $18,000 if they fail to comply with the order to remove Lucy.
“She doesn’t bother or hurt anybody,” said Lori Ann Gannone, Michael’s wife. “All this does is destroy her life, my life, my husband’s, and the rest of my family’s life.”
The Gannone family’s struggle is indicative of a greater issue, as pet pigs have been illegal in New York City for over 25 years. City officials cite concerns regarding pigs’ living conditions, including their need for outdoor space, social interaction with other pigs, and issues surrounding pig manure and potential aggression.
“In New York City, keeping a pig as a pet has been prohibited for at least 25 years. And for good reason — pigs need outside space and companionship of other pigs to thrive,” a Health Department spokesperson informed the Advance/SILive.com. “In addition, there is no USDA-approved rabies vaccine for pigs. All of this makes it inappropriate to keep pigs as pets in New York City.”
As the family navigates a complicated legal landscape, they cling to the hope that Mayor Eric Adams will grant leniency similar to how former Mayor Bill de Blasio allowed another pet pig, Wilbur, to remain with his family back in 2017. A City Hall representative has acknowledged the matter is under consideration but refrained from making promises.
“We are working to come to a resolution with the family that protects the health and safety of their pet and the neighborhood,” stated a City Hall spokesperson.
In the meantime, support for Lucy has surged within the Staten Island community. A Change.org petition launched to save her has already attracted over 8,400 signatures, with the hashtag #SaveLucy trending on social media platforms.
“I believe that no animal deserves to be taken away from a loving home,” commented Alexis, a supporter of the campaign. “Whether it’s a pig, a dog, or any other living being, Lucy is not just a pig — she’s part of the family.”
The family’s plight has also attracted attention from local politicians. Councilmember Frank Morano and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, both Republicans, have voiced their support for keeping Lucy with the Gannone family. Morano even visited the family’s home to express his solidarity.
“I hope we can do the right thing here and make an exception,” Morano stated. “Let’s rally behind Lucy and sign the petition.”
Malliotakis has described the city’s actions as “absurd,” highlighting that there are far more pressing issues the administration should prioritize. “Lucy is a 15-year-old, properly registered emotional support animal who has been part of a loving and responsible household. It’s absurd that this could lead to fines costing them thousands of dollars or, even worse, Lucy’s confiscation,” she emphasized.
This sentiment resonates deeply with many residents who believe that the city should not penalize families for wanting to care for their pets. The upcoming rally, organized by Morano, Malliotakis, and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, aims to further pressure City Hall in support of Lucy.
As the Gannone family faces the possibility of losing their cherished pet, the outpouring of support from the community illustrates the strong bond that exists between humans and their animals. Families like the Gannones make it clear that their pets are not just animals but are true family members.
The situation is delicate as the Gannone family awaits the city’s final decision, hoping for a positive outcome that will allow Lucy to continue to thrive in the loving environment she has known for so many years.
image source from：silive
