In February of 2026, the Independent reported that a Satanist in the Chicago area had filed a lawsuit for “custody” of his pet pig. The pig is something of a mascot for the local Satanist community, although they have not gone so far as to call him a sacred animal. This case raises questions about “pet custody,” religious freedoms, and constitutional rights in the United States.
The lawsuit targets the “Chubby Goat Acres” animal sanctuary on the outskirts of Chicago, which allegedly took in the Satanist’s pig when he was between homes. Since taking in the pig all the way back in 2018, the animal sanctuary has refused to return him to his Satanist owner.
It seems as though the Satanist visited the pig at the sanctuary for quite some time after parting ways. However, something clearly went wrong during at least one of these interactions, as the animal sanctuary eventually banned the Satanist and obtained a protective order against him. What exactly did he do to deserve this? It is not exactly clear.
However, one might speculate that it had something to do with how the Satanist was treating the pig. After all, animal sanctuary staff are generally focused on the well-being of animals. This might also explain why the sanctuary is refusing to return the animal. Alternatively, the sanctuary might be concerned about the pig’s fate if it ever returns to Chicago.
Pigs are not allowed as pets (or livestock) within the city limits of Chicago. Perhaps the Satanist tried to “steal” the pig from the sanctuary and bring it back to his home in the city. This might explain the protective order and the sanctuary’s refusal to hand the animal over. After all, it doesn’t make sense to move the pig if it doesn’t have a safe or stable place to live.
Pig Should Be Classified as a Service Animal, According to Lawsuit
Unsatisfied with the way things have gone, the Satanist has decided to ask a federal judge to return the animal. A key element of his argument revolves around his disability (bipolar disorder) and his need for the animal as a “service animal.” The plaintiff claims that the animal serves a therapeutic purpose, helping to relieve the symptoms of his disorder and even providing “massage therapy.”
Pigs are surprisingly intelligent animals despite their slovenly and messy reputation. The plaintiff argues that virtually any animal can theoretically serve as an emotional support animal. On the other hand, a “service animal” has a slightly narrower definition as it must receive special training to help those with disabilities. A pig could theoretically receive this training, although such service animals are virtually unheard of. This isn’t the first time this particular Satanist has filed lawsuits. In 2019, the Chicago Tribune reported that the man sued the City and the Park District after being kicked out of various parks, beaches, and dog areas. In this lawsuit, the plaintiff also claimed that he “used the pig during his religious practices.”