Family hopes to keep pet pig Twinkie for Down syndrome son

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — A South Florida family is fighting to keep their pet pig "Twinkie" for their son who has Down syndrome.

His mother, Heather Ray, said Twinkie is a therapeutic pet for 8-year-old Kason Ray.

But Twinkie isn't allowed in the city of Coral Springs because pigs are considered livestock.

The family said they can keep Twinkie under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The city said it will consider it if the family can prove the pig is more than a pet.

"If the Rays can show us that there's a medical necessity, if they can bring us documentation of a medical necessity for a therapy animal, we'll be glad to look in to it," said Coral Springs city attorney Bob Goehrig.

"He pets her and he calms down; he's not as agitated," said Heather Ray.

Kason's mother said the city has not threatened to take away Twinkie, but it is possible that the city could start to fine her.

Ray said she has a prescription for Twinkie.

WFTV