Potbellied pig's plight touches at least one Round Lake trustee

A court decision hasn't stopped Robb Calabro in his quest to keep his Vietnamese potbellied pig.

Last week Calabro, of the Valley Lakes subdivision in Round Lake, was found guilty of possessing swine within the village limits.

He was fined $150, and a judge sentenced him to six months' supervision for owning Harley, a 65-pound, litter-box-trained "house pet" that impresses neighbors with tricks and a friendly disposition.

The guilty verdict required that the pig be removed from the village within 30 days.

With time running out, Calabro took his grievance to the Round Lake village board Monday night.

"This is my pet, he is a member of our family and he is not livestock," said Calabro while holding up Harley's photo for all to see. "I urge the board to revise or clarify the prohibited animal ordinance to provide an exemption for owning potbellied pigs."

Villages with exemptions for potbellied pigs include Grayslake, Antioch, Round Lake Beach and Mundelein.

This time, Calabro's case fell on more sympathetic ears.

Trustee Susan Triphahn approached Calabro after the meeting to offer words of encouragement.

"I've heard good things about (Calabro) from the Valley Lakes homeowners association," Triphahn said. "I'd love for the pig to stay."

Triphahn said the matter would likely be discussed in a subcommittee as early as next week.

Though Calabro was pleased with the positive feedback, doubt continues to surround Harley's immediate future.

"I'm really looking for some help from the board," he said. "I hope it doesn't come to this, but I've found people who would love to take him in."

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