Many Chicagoans have an understandable disdain for goats. (Cubs' curse, anyone?) But in the rural town of Channahon, the Corsos' pet pygmy goat is like a member of the family. But tell that to the Village Board.
The 7-month-old neutered goat—named Billy, of course—isn't much different than an average dog. Billy's about the size of a cocker spaniel, walks on a leash, and comes when called. He gets along well with the cats in the house and curls up on the couch to stay warm.
But a goat is not a pet under Channahon's ordinance; Billy is livestock. And by law, the Corsos can't keep him.
"I'm sorry you got the impression that by moving here you could have a goat," trustee Gary Davidson recently told the family, according to the Chicago Tribune. "You're finding out now that you can't."
Despite the pleas of the Corsos and their friendly neighbors, the board voted 5-1 against them, deciding that the family was violating the village ordinance. They gave the family one month to get rid of Billy.
When the Channahon community found out about the board's decision, dozens of residents showed their support online at the Morris Daily Herald's website.
"We feed him, we play with him. He's like man's best friend, except he's a goat," Todd Corso said.
The family is considering giving Billy back to the breeder whom they bought him from, in the hopes of visiting him occasionally in the future.
"It's devastating to think about letting him go," said Corso.
You can see a video of 15-year-old Todd and his pet Billy at http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/
