Woman Gets Help In Fight To Keep 'Emotional Support' Pig

A southwest Oklahoma City woman who's fighting to keep her 220-pound pet pot belly pig is getting more help in her fight.

Karen Padilla was notified by a city code inspector two weeks ago her pet pig named "Wilbur" had to go, because a neighbor complained, and because Padilla's family property is less than one acre, pigs are not allowed. However, Padilla argues that "Wilbur" is a registered "emotional support" animal, and has helped get her through personal struggles.

Tuesday night, less than a half-hour after our initial report aired on "Wilbur's" plight, a local woman donated $1,400 to Padilla's gofundme.com account. Padilla needs $1,400 to file an appeal with the OKC Board of Adjustment. Padilla told me Wednesday she is very appreciative of the help, and plans to file her appeal next week.

5/6/2014 Related Story: OKC Woman's 'Emotional Support' Pig Sparks Dispute

Also, Doug MacMillan—who directs Oklahoma's Office of Disability Concerns--is getting involved. He tells me he wants to help Padilla with her case. He says service animals are no longer just restricted to dogs and horses.

"There's a cat I know of, a young man with a chicken that helps with his autism. Service pigs are another example. Monkeys, you can get a trained monkey to help you cook. Pull stuff from the shelf," he said.

If Padilla files her appeal next week, it should go in front of the city Board of Adjustment on June 19.