By a vote of 6-to-1, the Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, moved to enforce the City’s Animal Protection and Control Ordinance, and will require the owners of a pot bellied pig to remove the animal from their home at 805 Chestnut Street. Councilman Chris Jimerson was the only vote in favor of leaving the animal where it is.

Prior to their vote, the Council heard from the owners of “Pumba,” Chris and Darci Coatney. Darci Coatney said “The only reason we even got a pig was because of a childhood dream to have one. They are very smart, he is completely potty trained,” and (acts like a dog when given a command).

Chris (Left) and Darci Coatney make their case for “Pumba”

She said if she would have been told they would have to get rid of Pumba last year, when the Police first showed up and he was just a piglet, “He would have been a lot easier to get rid of, I would have done it with no problem…we could have made different arrangements so he’s not in the back yard.”

Chris Coatney said the issue of flies a neighbor complained about, is because they (the neighbor) has fly traps designed to attract insects that would normally be found on a farm. He said also “We haven’t had one person sit here (at his home) and say that there’s any smell.” He said his family is very attached to the pig, and “it’s part of the family now.”

Rebecca Sponsler, the neighbor who complained to the Community Protection Commission about the flies, smell and the effect on her property value, said she has no problem with family or the pig, but the smell is intolerable.

“Pumba,” the pot bellied pig.

Councilman Dana Halder said allowing the pig to live within the City would “Open up a whole ‘nother can of worms,” and its unfortunate that it’s gone on this long. Newly appointed Councilman Gerald Brink said “It’s hard to lose a pet…but since there is an ordinance in-place, I agree with Dana, that at this point in time we have no choice.”

Councilman Chris Jimerson said pot bellied pigs are not mean and are pretty intelligent, but he understands the issue with the odor. He says it’s all about being a good neighbor, with regard to pig droppings in the yard and cleaning up after it, and “I think people can do that.”

It’s not clear where “Pumba” will end-up, but in all likelihood, he will be relocated to a farm setting.