Palm Beach tells owner: 'Pig's gotta go'

PALM BEACH, FL -- Piggie Pie Freckles is a six-month-old 51 pound pot-bellied pig, who is absolutely adored by her young owner, 7-year-old Ashley Flynn but - not so much - by the Town of Palm Beach.

Officials have told Ashley's mom, Kim, Piggie Pie Freckles has to go. "She's very, very sad," said Kim Kelley talking about her daughter, "You know she loves that pig. She loves that pig so much."

Kelley purchased Piggie Pie Freckles for her daughter as an Easter present a few months ago, and since then the two have been inseparable. Ashley walks the pig along the beach. Even on posh Worth Avenue, says Kelley.

"I mean everyone who sees Piggie Pie stops and they think it's the cutest thing when Ashley walks Piggy Pie, and she's got her little Piggie Pie on a leash and they just think he's great. I mean everybody loves Piggy Pie."

Ashley has other animals, including a cat and lizards, but they're nothing like per pet pig. She cuddles with it. Even paints his toe nails - or hooves as the case may be. "Yes, she loves the pink nail polish," laughs Kelley.

Palm beach officials they're not trying to be snooty about Ashley’s snouted snuggler, but porcine pets are against city code and they've received a complaint.

Kelley says when she rented the apartment her landlord told them pets were just fine, failing to preclude pigs.
So Thursday afternoon, Kim Kelley took her case to Palm Beach Town Hall, hoping code officials would cut through the political pork, and cut her pork-er a break.

It didn't happen. Code officials said while they were sympathetic, the pig violates town code and has to be off the island by September 21st.

Kelley told them she'll ask the full town council for a variance that would allow her to keep the animal. But in the meantime, Piggy Pie Freckles will likely stay with Ashley's dad in West Palm Beach.

Would she even consider giving him up? she's asked. When pigs fly, says Kelley. "Piggie Pie lives to be 15 or 20 years old, Piggie Pie will never be given up. Ever. Ever," she says. "No, I'd rather leave the island."