SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. — Eli the pot-bellied pig is hitting the road after losing his right to live with his Edmonton-area owners.
Michelle Kropp and her family kept Eli as a pet in their Sherwood Park house for more than 4 1/2 years.
But the porker is considered livestock under a county bylaw and the family was told Eli would have to hoof it after a neighbour complained.
The family took the matter to court, but a judge sided with the county last fall.
The county then enforced its bylaw and said Eli had to be gone by August.
Kropp says Eli is going to share a good home with a fellow pig named Sparky, who at one time was featured on Telus television ads.
“Eli and Sparky get to live in the house," Kropp said. "The family has their granddaughter living with them, so the children element is still there for Eli.
"This family’s had pot-bellied pigs for at least 10 years, so they have plenty of experience."
She says Eli's new owners also understand that the Kropps would like to have their pet back if Strathcona County changes its animal control bylaw.
It’s up for review this fall.
