Pink pig staying put

HATCH, N.M. (AP) - Hatch's giant pig has gotten a reprieve.

In February, Hatch officials said the fiberglass porker could be an off-premises billboard for owner Teako Nunn's cafe - Sparky's Burgers, BBQ & Espresso.

But the next week, the state Department of Transportation decided the pig and a hot dog-shaped sign also owned by Nunn violate state law.

State officials say the signs fall under their jurisdiction because they're off N.M. 26.

But now the state appears ready to let Nunn pursue zoning variances to keep his advertising statues in place.

Hatch officials have already given him an off-premises variance for the pig.

Nunn says that in terms of being legal, that means the pig is ahead of the hot dog.

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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News