Notorious P.I.G.

When Wyverne Flatt moved to upstate New York from South Carolina it was a time for healing. He had recently divorced and his mom had just died so Flatt needed a friend. He found one in Ellie, a 100-pound pot bellied pig.

Unfortunately it turned out that his new hometown, the village of Canajoharie north of Albany, forbids farm animals, though we wonder why looking at a map. Not exactly a high density spot on the planet! But just to be mean and clear, the county elders just passed an updated version of the law affirming that “no farm animals, domesticated animals or domestic livestock shall be allowed in the Village.”

Flatt won’t give up Ellie without a fight. Facing $18,000 in civil fines and up to six months prison time, Flatt will have his day in court on March 22, when his criminal trial begins for defying the law.

His argument is that Ellie is an emotional support animal, and has in fact been registered as one with United Support Animals since May, 2020. The village is pushing back, claiming that the registration isn’t valid. Court documents include a letter by Village Health Officer Kenneth Riley which states, “I spoke with the provider who was not aware of the size of the pig or the condition of the apartment caused by the very large pig living there. The provider has agreed this is not appropriate or healthy for the patient and has agreed to rescind her support of his keeping this ‘emotional support pig.’” Really.

But Flatt’s not having it. “She’s cleaner than anybody else’s cat or dog. She’s smaller than just about anybody else’s dog in this town,” he said. “I got used to her being around, she gets up on the couch and watches TV and snuggles up with me, she’s a real sweet little animal and she’s a part of my family.”

Flatt and Ellie seem to have the support of his neighbors and other villagers, local government officials notwithstanding. It remains to be seen whether that’ll do, pig.

Photo credit: Wyverne Flatt / Times Union, Wyverne Flatt / NY Post & WNYT