EDMONTON — Soon, Eli the pot-bellied pig will have a new home in Ontario. But, before the Kropp family drives him east, they hosted a final gathering for their beloved pet.
Friends and supporters spent Saturday afternoon together in Sherwood Park.
“We’ve opened our house to invite some people that we haven’t had the opportunity to actually meet in person, but have been great supports to us through social media,” said Michelle Kropp, Eli’s owner.
“It’s been very positive and overwhelming.”
In November, the family was found guilty of harbouring livestock.
READ MORE: Strathcona County family will have to say goodbye to Eli the pig
Despite efforts to keep Eli as a family pet, Strathcona County ordered the family to remove the animal from their home.
READ MORE: Sherwood Park family loses attempt to keep pot-bellied pig
Donations have been coming in through crowd-funding websites to help with Eli’s expenses, including the trip to re-home him in Ontario.
The family will spend a few days with Eli’s new owners to help with the transition. The new family has sponsored and owned pot-bellied pigs for several years.
“Our hope is that he’s back soon,” said Kropp. “This is planned to be temporary, absolutely.”
“We didn’t ask for that but we are very humbled and feel overwhelmed with that, ” said Kropp.
The Kropp family plans to take part in an upcoming review of Strathcona County’s Animal Control Bylaw.
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