Judge allows Pembroke Pines couple to keep pet miniature pigs

Neighbor who filed complaint didn't appear in court

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. ā€“ A Broward County judge ruled Thursday that a Pembroke Pines couple will be allowed to keep their pet pigs.

The couple has been fighting for months to be able to keep their two miniature pigs after a neighborĀ filed a complaint with the city.

Michael Owens and TheresaĀ ShaiaĀ bought the pigs, named Frankenstein andĀ Beetlejuice,Ā earlier this year.

"I can't believe that we actually beat the city," Owens told Local 10 News after the decision.

After hearing arguments from both sides, a judge determined that the pigs were pets and not farm animals.

The neighbor who filed the complaint failed to appear in court.

Owens and Shaia received an outpouring of support from the community since receiving the code violation in April, including from attorney Brad Cohen, who intervened on their behalf.

"It wound up to be a great resolution, and I'm really happen for my clients," he said.

Shaia said she's been overwhelmed by all the support from Local 10 News viewers and the signatures from an Internet petition that she started.

"I cannot say thank you enough," Shaia said. "I mean, from the bottom of my heart. They mean so much to us."


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.