A 300-kilogram black pig is back on the footpaths of north-east Victoria, one month after being banned from being taken on its daily walks.
In June, Wangaratta Council issued Matthew Evans with a cease and desist notice, warning him he was in breach of a local law by walking Grunt the pig in public and would be fined $806 if he continued.
After an outpouring of public support and a petition that has been signed by thousands of people, council reversed the ban, giving Grunt the pig the green light to resume wandering around Wangaratta.
"I was just very happy with the outcome and all the attention that we got which really helped achieve it," Mr Evans said.
"It's an exciting day for Grunt to be back in the community."
Mr Evans argued Grunt was no different to a dog on a leash and the council conceded it may have initially overreacted.
But the director of development services, Stephen Swart, said the council approached the issue as a matter of public safety.
"Council has to consider the amenity and the safety of our community and, on the back of a number of complaints, we felt like there were some risk factors, especially in the CBD, where there are more people," he said.
"We had received a number of complaints about Grunt the pig and a number of inquiries about what was happening about Grunt walking in the CBD.
"I've seen Grunt around town. He's quite large and that was part of the issue for us in terms of considering the risks associated with an animal of that size."
Grunt returns on condition
After multiple discussions council and Grunt's owners came to an agreement and strict conditions have been placed on Grunt's return to the pavement.
"Grunt can only be walked outside of the CBD under certain conditions," Mr Swart said.
"One of those conditions is that he wear a harness all the time and when he's at home he's secure and not able get out."
Mr Evans said he had a harness specially made from a saddler for Grunt's return to Wangaratta's streets.
"It was made by a horse-rigging place so he'd be more secure on the streets," he said.
"I did all the measurements myself."
Reunited with his fans
To the delight of some locals, the regional city's most famous four-legged pedestrian is trotting the streets once again.
And yesterday Grunt was back doing what he loves best; eating peanut butter sandwiches in the park with his friends.
"He's a biggie," Wangaratta resident Mary Morehouse said.
"He's big, but he has the right to roam the countryside."
