Several readers have written asking for an update on the case of W.P. Sooie, the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig which Little Rock animal control is trying to evict from the city on the contention that the 58-pound indoor pet is “livestock,” even though there’s a specific exemption for pot-bellied pigs in another section of the municipal code that prohibits keeping hogs in the city. We rooted around in the case for our May 2 issue, but have been lax in filing a follow up on Latham’s May 8 court appearance.
Looks like we had no reason to hurry. Though Latham and her attorney were under the impression that a hearing in the case would happen on Wednesday, once they arrived in Environmental Court with supporters and camera crews from local TV stations in tow, they were told the appearance was just an opportunity for Latham to enter a plea. Latham pled not guilty. A trial date has been set for June 27. Latham will be allowed to keep Sooie in her home until the issue is decided.
Interest in the case has been popping like bacon grease since we reported on Sooie’s fight with City Hall. The “Save Sooie” Facebook page now has over 1,400 followers. Latham has also started a fundraising effort to help defray ongoing legal costs in the case.