**Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Divided by Pet Pig Dispute**
A suburban community in Spalding, Lincolnshire has become the focal point of an unusual neighbourhood dispute, centring on a family’s beloved pet pig. The debate, which has divided residents, raises broader questions about the coexistence of domestic animals and community expectations in residential areas.
The controversy began when Michelle and Carl Repper, who have cared for their Juliana pot-bellied pig, Jack, for six years, received an unexpected complaint regarding their unusual pet. According to the Reppers, Jack, a six-year-old boar originally adopted after friends mistakenly believed he was a micro pig, has since become a fixture in their household and local area.
Michelle Repper, a 44-year-old teaching assistant and mother-of-three, described her shock upon learning that one of her neighbours had reported Jack to the local council, citing concerns about “noise and odour”. She insists these accusations are wholly unfounded, stating that Jack is “the cleanest animal” and rarely makes a sound beyond his gentle snoring. The couple say they have always maintained good relations with their neighbours and that many even bring scraps from their Sunday dinners as treats for Jack.
However, matters escalated last month when, after the Reppers were away for several days, a neighbour reportedly confronted Michelle, yelling through the fence and criticising the pig as “disgusting”. Michelle recalls apologising for any disturbance caused by Jack throwing around his wheelie bin in their absence, but maintains that the complaints are a complete overreaction. “He just sunbathes and sleeps most of the day. He barely makes a sound,” she said.
Despite Jack’s quiet lifestyle, the complaint prompted an official letter from South Holland District Council, outlining the frustrations of at least one resident. The situation further inflamed local tensions when a neighbour told the press that sharing a street with Jack was “making [their] life unbearable”, even going so far as to describe it as a “tragedy”.
Michelle, clearly perplexed and upset by these strong words, expressed her disbelief at the criticism, especially given Jack’s long-standing presence in the community. “For six years we’ve never heard a word. If there was really an issue, I wish they’d come to us first rather than going straight to the council,” she lamented.
Addressing hygiene concerns, Michelle notes that Jack’s area is cleaned every other day by her husband, and insists that there has never been a widespread problem with odour. She equated the possibility of having to rehome Jack to giving away a family dog, highlighting the emotional bond they share with the animal.
After the complaint, South Holland District Council confirmed its involvement, stating that it had conducted two site visits and found no breaches of regulations. The council further verified that all necessary licenses for Jack’s care and handling were in order, and offered guidance to the complainant on monitoring future concerns. “No issues have been observed and steps have been taken to address any noise,” a spokesperson stated.
The case has ignited debate within the wider community, raising issues around tolerance, communication between neighbours, and the rights of responsible pet owners. While the Reppers maintain they have “nothing to hide” and invite further inspection, the situation underscores the challenges of balancing individual freedoms with collective living standards.
At a time when urban and suburban areas are seeing an increase in unconventional pets, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how similar cases are managed in the future. For now, Jack remains a cherished member of the Repper family – and the topic of conversation throughout Spalding.