When Michelle and Carl Repper decided to adopt a six-year-old pot-bellied pig named Jack, they never imagined he would become the centre of a neighbourly feud.
Living in Spalding, Lincolnshire, the couple say they’ve loved raising Jack in their garden ever since, but recently a complaint about the pig’s noise and smell turned their peaceful life upside down.
Shock Over Nuisance Complaint From a Familiar Neighbour
Michelle, 44, was stunned when a neighbour suddenly shouted through the fence calling Jack “disgusting.”
This came shortly before she received an official letter from South Holland District Council detailing a complaint about Jack causing a nuisance.
Michelle insists that Jack, who is fully licensed as a pet, is actually “the cleanest animal” and mostly just “snoring” around the house.
Beloved Local Pet or Problematic Neighbourhood Nuisance?
To the Repper family and many locals, Jack is much like a dog — a gentle companion who even gets visits from neighbours bringing leftover food.
Michelle shared how dog-walkers often stop to ask about him, and how the community has always appreciated Jack’s calm nature.
The sudden hostility from one neighbour caught them off guard since no one had ever raised any issues in the six years Jack has lived there.
Responding to Complaints and Shouting Through the Fence
Michelle explained how after a brief trip, a neighbour started shouting complaints about Jack’s noise and smell through a hole in the fence.
The Repper family admitted Jack had knocked over a wheelie bin but apologised promptly.
Michelle wishes the neighbour had come to talk to them calmly instead of resorting to shouting and filing a formal complaint.
Defending Jack’s Cleanliness and Quiet Nature
According to Michelle, the claims about Jack being noisy during the day don’t add up — he often naps for five to six hours and simply enjoys sunbathing.
She’s also quick to clarify that her husband cleans Jack’s area regularly and that there’s no widespread mess in the garden.
For Michelle and Carl, the thought of having to rehome Jack would be heartbreaking, as he’s considered a part of the family.
Public Outcry and Council Involvement
The neighbours who complained even voiced their frustration publicly in the local newspaper, saying Jack’s presence has made their lives “unbearable” and called the situation a “tragedy.”
Michelle finds those words baffling and wishes for open communication instead of public drama.
Council Confirms Proper Licensing and Ongoing Monitoring
South Holland District Council confirmed they are aware of the case and have involved the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which verified that all necessary licences for keeping Jack are in place.
Council officers visited the property twice without observing any problems and have provided advice to the owners on managing noise and monitoring any issues.
What Happens Next for Jack and the Repper Family?
For now, the council continues to investigate the complaint, but Michelle remains hopeful the situation can be resolved without uprooting their beloved pet pig.
She’s invited officials to visit anytime and hopes the neighbours might find a better way to communicate.