Alberta family has to give up pet potbellied pig

A family in Sherwood Park, Alta., hasto give up itspet potbellied pig named Eli because county law doesnt allow livestock to be kept inside homes.

Bylaw officials with Strathcona County, the municipality east of Edmonton that includes Sherwood Park, were alerted about Eli after a neighbour called to complain.

"She said that she feels her property has decreased in value $20,000 because she lives next to a pig, said owner Michelle Kropp.

Unlike Edmonton and Calgary, in Strathcona County, special permits cannot be given for potbellied pets under county bylaws.

Ian Gray, director of transportation and agriculture services with Strathcona County, says council would have to change the bylaw.

"The owner of the pig has a decision to make," he said.

Kropp saidbylaw officers will be coming to her home on June 12 to take Eli away.

'What other pigs do you know that can curl up and watch YouTube videos?'Jayme Granberg, 10

That decision will be heartbreaking for Kropps two stepdaughters, Maggie, 7, and Jayme, 10.

Eli lives in a cage inside the house.He wakes the family every morning at 6:45 a.m. and likes to hang out with them.

"What other pigs do you know that can curl up and watch YouTube videos?" Jayme Granberg asked.

The children are upset about losing Eli and worry how their pet would handle a move.

"He'll be like, 'Where's my family?'" Maggie Granberg said.

Meanwhile, another neighbour has started a petition to let the family keep Eli at their home.