Chicago suburb bans non-traditional pets after inquiries about keeping peacocks and pigs

Chicago suburb bans non-traditional pets after inquiries about keeping peacocks and pigs
The pot-bellied pig is one of the many prohibited pets in the Arlington Heights suburb in northwest Chicago. Flickr / ellenm1
Chicago suburb bans non-traditional pets after inquiries about keeping peacocks and pigs
The pot-bellied pig is one of the many prohibited pets in the Arlington Heights suburb in northwest Chicago. Flickr / ellenm1

Chicago suburb bans non-traditional pets after inquiries about keeping peacocks and pigs

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A northwestern Chicago suburb amended an ordinance to keep pigs, peacocks and similar animals out of their backyards.

The Arlington Heights village board rewrote their ban on poultry and livestock to include “similar fowls” and “similar animals”. The ordinance addresses recent inquires about keeping a pot-bellied pig and a peacock.

Mayor Thomas Hayes said the restriction is important in keeping the residential character of the neighborhood.

“There might be problems with the animals escaping, causing a nuisance with surrounding residences or attracting other varmints or other animals that might be a nuisance as predators,” Hayes said.

The board introduced the ban after residents asked to raise chickens in their backyards earlier this year.

Any residents who disregard the ban will have the animal impounded.

Lee Jian Chung is a WBEZ arts and culture intern. Follow him @jclee89.