Man threatened with huge fine for walking pig near his home
A Victorian man who walks his pet pig on a leash in public has been warned by his local council that he could face a huge fine if he doesn’t stop doing so.
Matthew Evans received a letter from the City of Wangaratta last week that informed him walking his pet pig Grunt on council land, which included the surrounding streets of his home, breaches council legislation.
“A person must not, on Council Land or a Road, act in a manner which unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment by any other person of the Council Land or Road and/or act in a way which endangers any person,” the letter states.
It went on to say he could face a fine of $806 if he didn’t “immediately cease and desist walking any pigs on Council Land or Road”.
A concerned Mr Evans shared an image of the letter on his pet’s Facebook page, asking for advice on where he could walk his pig instead.
There was an outpouring of support for Mr Evans and Grunt on the post, with many saying they had encountered the animal around the neighbourhood without any problem.
“I always find seeing Grunt, the absolutely non-threatening pig, increases my enjoyment of our public spaces!” one person wrote.
"He poses a threat to no one. Particularly if he’s on a lead, I don’t see how he’s any more of a danger to anyone than a dog,” another user pointed out.
A council spokesman however told The Border Mail that Grunt had prompted several complaints after stealing food from children and not being contained to his property.
"While we understand the angst about this issue, council needs to put community safety first," the spokesman said.
The spokesman denied claims the council had asked Grunt to be put down and insisted they “wish no harm” towards the animal.
Mr Evans however has claimed he was only once unrestrained outside of the property last year due to a “kangaroo scare” and he was returned with the help of the community.
He also said he was unaware of any negative interactions with local children.
Yahoo News has contacted the City of Wangaratta over the decision.
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