In a heartwarming turn of events, 15-year-old pet pig Lucy will be allowed to stay with her family in Staten Island as she receives medical care. Mayor Eric Adams reportedly intervened after the family faced intense pressure from the New York City Health Department to remove their beloved pig due to city-wide restrictions on pet pigs.
Lori Anne Gannone, Lucy’s owner from Tottenville, shared the joyous news after receiving a call from First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro.
“I want to thank him,” Gannone said about Mayor Adams, expressing her relief that her family could now focus on Lucy’s recovery.
The Health Department had previously notified the Gannone family that they could face fines between $3,000 and $18,000 unless they removed Lucy from their home, following an anonymous complaint received through the city’s 311 system. The situation escalated quickly as public outcry erupted, with local politicians and community members rallying to save Lucy.
Support for the pig grew swiftly, with Councilmember Frank Morano and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis joining Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa in their calls for Lucy’s protection.
Additionally, a Change.org petition titled #SaveLucy attracted nearly 13,000 signatures by Monday afternoon, showcasing widespread support for the family’s predicament.
In response to the outpouring of community support, Adams made a statement on X.com, announcing, “Here’s the squeal: Lucy the Pig is staying on Staten Island with her family to receive medical care.”
He further clarified that no fines or enforcement actions would be taken, acknowledging the care that Lucy has received from her family and the lack of disruption she causes in the neighborhood.
Despite the reprieve for Lucy, the mayor reiterated that pet pig ownership remains illegal in New York City. Once Lucy is healthy, the plan is for her family to return her to their secondary residence in rural New York, which is currently being renovated.
The Health Department had emphasized that keeping pigs as pets in the city has been prohibited for over 25 years due to several concerns. A spokesperson for the department outlined potential issues including the need for outdoor space for pigs, the possibility of aggressive behavior, and the challenges presented by pig manure.
Furthermore, the spokesperson noted the absence of a USDA-approved rabies vaccine for pigs as a contributing factor to the ban, making pig ownership in the city inappropriate.
Adams’ decision to allow Lucy to remain in Staten Island is reminiscent of a similar incident in 2017, where former Mayor Bill de Blasio also permitted a pig named Wilbur to stay with his family, following a public outcry of support.
As the Gannone family navigates this challenging time of caring for an elderly pet, they are also looking to give back to the community. Lori Anne Gannone mentioned their plans to organize a dog adoption fundraiser to assist over 80 dogs that were recently found in a Brooklyn home after the passing of their owner, a 73-year-old woman.
“It could be Lucy who can help rescue 80 dogs that need a home,” Gannone stated, highlighting the family’s desire to support animals in need, even as they care for their own beloved Lucy.
Lucy is currently undergoing veterinary treatment for her age-related ailments, and her family is focused on ensuring her well-being during this time. The community’s efforts to advocate for Lucy not only highlight the bond between pets and their families but also illustrate the power of collective action in bringing about change.
image source from：silive
