The life of a Hopkins County potbellied pig is at the center of an unusual case surrounding public health, Kentucky law and what is or is not considered an “exotic pet.” Mary Bedwell, of Earlington, has owned her 4-year-old pig Molly since the piglet was about 6 weeks old. Bedwell said she has always allowed Molly to come and go from their Valley Drive home like any other pet, and so far has received no complaints as her house lies on a largely unpopulated and wooded dead end road outside city limits. On Tuesday morning, however, Molly received her first complaint.
Molly, a 4-year-old potbellied pig is now spending her time in a dog run at the Hopkins County Humane Society while officials determine her classification as a domesticated animal. Molly has lived as a pet to Mary Bedwell in Earlington for the past four years, and recently bit an adult resident while wandering the neighborhood. According to state law, pets like dogs, cats and ferrets may be quarantined for 10 days of rabies observation following a bite. Kentucky has no law regarding pigs, but only references “wild or exotic animals.” In that case, the animal is ordered to be destroyed…
Pigs bite…what did the expect.