In a peculiar turn of events, a Staten Island family has garnered the support of Mayor Eric Adams in keeping their illegal pet pig, Lucy, in New York City temporarily. Lucy's residency had been under threat after an anonymous complaint via the city's 311 service put the spotlight on the Gannone family's 15-year-old pig. The city's Department of Health swiftly informed the family that having a pet pig is against NYC law, a regulation that has been in force for 25 years.
Despite the draconian swine statutes, as reported by CBS News, Lucy was granted a reprieve by Mayor Adams so she could continue receiving medical care at home. The healing hog, who is currently on medication and spends much of her time resting, had an online petition started on her behalf, drawing thousands of supporters. Even local lawmakers, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, sided with the family, showcasing that sometimes political support comes from the most unexpected quarters.
Mayor Adams' decision demonstrated a soft corner for the piggy predicament. "Here's the squeal: Lucy the Pig is staying on Staten Island with her family to receive medical care. We won't be fining them or taking enforcement action at this time as it's clear Lucy is cared for and not causing any disruptions to the community," Adams wrote on social media. However, he firmly reminded city dwellers that this was an exception, not a shift in the city's stance on pig ownership, as reported by CBS News.
Lori Anne Gannone, Lucy's owner, expressed gratitude for the mayor’s leniency, telling the New York Post, "Lucy's so happy. This way she can just get healthy and get back to herself," after receiving the good news from First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. A potential fine of up to $18,000 had been looming over the family following the complaint, but community support and political backing helped prevent the penalty from being enforced.
The Gannone family is due to relocate Lucy to their second home upstate once it's finished and once Lucy's health allows. Until that time, Lucy will enjoy her status as a Staten Island resident with full mayoral approval. Although, as Adams made it clear, "Once Lucy is well again, her family will be returning her to their second home upstate. We welcome all tourists coming to NYC, but please keep your boar-ists at home," making it clear that while Lucy's stay is sanctioned, it's not an open invitation for other non-traditional pets to trot into the Big Apple, as per CBS News.
