It was with great sadness and disbelief that I read the article stating the St. Charles City Council has shut the door on Sarah the potbellied pig and the Jones Family.  As a pig mommy, 35 years as a special education teacher, parent, foster parent, and animal rescuer, I can honestly say I’ve been there and done that.

The council did not do their homework or they would know that potbellied pigs are wonderful domesticated PETS!  They are not farm animals.  They do not have foul odors, carry fleas, sweat, harbor rabies or eat small children and other pets. They are sweet, affectionate, quiet, clean, as intelligent as dogs, non-allergic, easily trained, and social animals. They do not get overly huge if their diet is properly maintained.

Many potbellies have been trained to use a litter box in the home and have also been known to share beds with the family.  The worn old mantra  “the pig could hurt their property values” should be totally dismissed. The council is well aware that the ordinance was changed in the surrounding areas in 1999 and it appears that area is doing just fine. Potbellies have been much beloved pets of some of America’s richest celebrities.  Everyone knows about George Clooney and his late potbellied pig. Does the council believe Clooney’s pig brought down the Hollywood real estate values?
Please St. Charles City Council and all  neighborhood grousers who seem to have so much time on their hands they continue to create drama when there are so many desperate needs in our society. If you don’t like watching Sarah be friendly with her doggie friend, put up a fence, close the blind or walk away.  Use that free time to volunteer at a nursing home, animal shelter, children’s homes.

There are many places that desperately need help.  And my other wishful prayer is that all neighbors who never miss a beat regarding  the kind of beloved pets you may  have, where trash cans are stored,  how tall  flowers or grass are, would be as astute at being aware of that child, elderly person or pet being neglected or abused and then REPORT IT!

But then again, I guess that doesn’t affect their property value.

Karen Finch

St. Peters