A Southern California couple lost an appeal to keep four potbellied pigs they considered therapy animals who provide emotional support.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors sided Tuesday with the county's Planning Commission, ruling that a La Conchita couple will have to send three of their four animals away. Supervisors said Tuesday that the couple has six months to rehome three of their animals, according to the Ventura County Star.
County law considers potbellied pigs farm animals and bars them from La Conchita, but the Planning Commission determined in an earlier ruling that the family could keep one pig.
Jeff and Stephanie Rowland -- with their pig Muta in tow at Tuesday's meeting -- argued the pigs are doctor-certified therapy animals. Jeff Rowland said Muta even saved his life when he could not breathe during an allergy attack. He said the pig's squeals alerted his wife.
The 11-year-old pig, weighing about 160 pounds, has been invited to nursing homes and children's hospital, Rowland said. He added that the couple will look for a new home rather than lose any of their "kids."
