STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Tuesday's flurries may have been a nuisance for Staten Islanders, but for Cristy Matteo they gave her one more day with her beloved pet pig Wilbur.

Matteo contacted the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to let them know that she was wary to drive in the inclement weather but will take Wilbur to his new "home" on Wednesday.

With help from her new attorney, Carol Ryder, Matteo was able to get Wilbur to stay in a closer location -- Ross Mill Farm and Piggy Camp in Jamison, Pa.

Wilbur was originally slated to go to Ziggy Refuge in Greensboro, N.C.

Wilbur is being forced to leave his home due to a court decision made by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

The Health Department has stated that it is not in the public's best interest for pigs to be allowed in the home as pets.

""While we can appreciate how emotional this issue can be, the Health Department's primary role is to protect public health," spokesman Julien Martinez has stated. "As recent as 2013, the Board of Health reaffirmed that pigs should remain on the list of prohibited animals because, among other reasons, there is no USDA-approved rabies vaccine for pigs."

However, Ryder points out that studies show that "no pig vaccinated with the rabies vaccine approved for dogs," like Wilbur, "has presented with rabies."

WILBUR'S NEW RESIDENCE

Wilbur's new home is a potbellied pig boarding facility with about 175 pigs on the farm.

Ross Mill Farm offers a full-service 5000-square-foot facility exclusively for pet pigs. The Lodge, the facility's main boarding building, has many pens that each have their own private yard. In addition to short-term, long-term and elder-care boarding, the facility offers veterinarian services, spa treatments and grooming.

Matteo said it will cost $600 a month to board Wilbur there.

She added that Wilbur has stayed at Ross Mill Farms when she has gone on vacation. While she finds comfort in the excellent care that Wilbur will receive at the facility, she is quick to note that nothing can replace the Great Kills home he is used to.

"I know Wilbur is in good hands at Ross Mill Farms, but he will be on a concrete floor with a bunch of blankets compared to a nice warm bed," said Matteo. "I wrap him up in a sleeping bag before leaving for work and I will find him in the same spot when I get home from work."

Matteo's father, Thomas Matteo, who is battling cancer, will no longer have Wilbur by his side. The National Service Animal Registry has declared Wilbur an "emotional support animal."

"It will destroy both of us," said Matteo.

THE FIGHT FOR WILBUR

Though she will have to say goodbye, Matteo is promising that she is not giving up on Wilbur, who has lived with her for five years.

"I'm still going to continue my fight," she said.

Ryder is also continuing to fight on Matteo's behalf, sending a letter Tuesday to Mayor Bill de Blasio. She is asking the mayor to step in and contact the city Department of Health.

"You are now the only person who can save him today. I was told you stated when contacted that you do not know enough about this (case) so I am letting you know what federal crimes and civil rights violations are being committed against the Matteos," Ryder stated in her letter. "I believe you can simply make a call...to the NYC Department of Health, perhaps remind them that Wilbur is covered by the Fair Housing Act. ..."

Ryder contends that Wilbur should be permitted to stay in the Matteo home, as emotional support animals are among the "assistance animals" covered by federal laws, including the Fair Housing Act, as well as existing state and city laws.

"Allowing him to be seized or forcing my clients to move him could cause irreparable harm, and remember, 'imminent irreparable harm' is grounds for at least a stay," Ryder said.

"Save Wilbur here and change the policy so that other families can have these pigs," said Avella, who hosted a press conference at Matteo's home.

In 2013, the senator introduced legislation that would amend the administrative code of the city of New York by allowing the possession of pygmy pigs as house pets.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT



Staten Islanders continue to fight for Wilbur, signing the online petition started by Midland Beach resident Joanna Tierno on Jan. 16. It now has almost 13,000 signatures.

Many have also commented on Wilbur's Facebook page, which has almost 1,000 likes.

A contingent of local lawmakers has also joined in the fight to save Wilbur, asking the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to make an exception to allow Wilbur to stay in Matteo's home.