A Marion County homeowner who received approval in 2022 to keep a pot-bellied pig on her property as an emotional support animal is asking county officials to allow her to keep a second pot-bellied pig.
Kathy Werner will present her request to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners during its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 19.
According to a county staff report, Werner is seeking approval of a reasonable accommodation special use permit application to allow two pot-bellied pigs on her residential property, which is located along NE 208th Court in Salt Springs.
The report notes that Werner owns the adjacent parcel, providing an additional buffer for neighbors to the east.
Werner says the pot-bellied pigs serve a therapeutic role in her life and that she plans to keep them indoors at night in designated beds.
During the day, she will allow them to roam around outside under supervision in a secure, enclosed pen.
According to the staff report, during a visit to the site, “no noticeable odors, waste, or noise were observed.”
County staff recommends approval of the request with several conditions, including the requirement that Werner maintain a well-kept area for the pigs, and that she collect and dispose of animal waste at least weekly.
Werner must also ensure that the fencing around the pen is maintained, open, and clear, according to the county staff report.
The permit only applies to the two pot-bellied pigs, which are prescribed by Werner’s doctor, and does not allow for other pigs.
If one of the pigs passes away, she must notify the Marion County Growth Services Planning and Zoning department.
According to county records, one of the pigs is named Marley and the other is named Ollie.
Werner’s request comes just a few months after two similar, separate requests were posed by property owners to Marion County officials.
In July, an Ocala couple sought permission to keep their emotional support horses, and just a couple weeks before that, a separate property owner received permission to keep emotional support roosters on her property.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the McPherson Governmental Complex (601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala).
