Vernon mini pig Layla gets reprieve from being booted out of the city

A miniature pig will be allowed to stay in Vernon for another month but its ultimate fate as a domestic pet is still up in the air.

Layla, who recently turned one year old, has been the subject of a bylaw dispute in recent months.

Coralee Carrier, 22, says her 30-pound pet pig is domesticated, and is much more than a barnyard animal.

"Layla is 100 per cent domesticated and would never survive on a farm like a pot bellied pig would," she said.

"She has a great personality, loves car rides, listens to her commands and enjoys the outdoors."

But last month, after a neighbour complained, a bylaw officer told Carrier that Layla would have to go, as pigs are not classified as companion animals in Vernon.

Making the best of the situation, Carrier asked city council for special permission to keep Layla.

Council heard her request today, and have asked bylaw officers to put off any enforcement until they make a decision at their next meeting on Sept. 12.

She's hopeful they'll make a change.

"Hens, goats, chickens, reptiles and other companion pigs are allowed to have a loving home within the city limits of Vernon, so we ask, why not our Layla?"

With files from Adrian Nieoczym