A Kewanee resident sounded the alarm on Facebook about a pet pig left in a house in Kewanee while the owner is in the Henry County Jail for allegedly threatening to kill a judge, according to a witness in the courtroom. According to court documents, Rose McLaughlin was found in “direct criminal contempt” during a January 20th pre-trial hearing and sentenced to seven days in jail. Defense attorney Sosalla requested a fitness evaluation at the January 20th hearing, which was ordered by Judge Hathaway. The original charge is for cruelty to animals from March 2025. According to court documents, the parties were ready to proceed to trial before the outburst from Ms. McLaughlin. The pretrial has been continued to March 19, 2026. I have personally witnessed outbursts and threats by Ms. McLaughlin on numerous occasions. Her son, Richard McDonald, told me that she has dementia and cancer and can be vocal sometimes. He said she doesn’t always know what she’s saying.
Kewanee Police Chief, Stephen Kijanowski, said they checked on the pig Monday and the pig was ok. He said they are close to a solution regarding the care of the pet pig. UPDATE: As I am writing this, the Kewanee Police obtained access to the house and safely retrieved the pet pig to move him to a new home.
Ann Bartman is a longtime neighbor of Ms. McLaughlin and a friend of the family. Ann made a public plea for help after the pig was left unattended in the house. Ann said there wasn’t heat in the home and no one had access to the house to feed and water the pig until McLaughlin is released from the Henry County Jail. Although, McLaughlin’s family members said in a Facebook comment that they had access to the house to feed and water the pig. Ms. Bartman has attempted to get help for Ms. McLaughlin and find a new home for the pet pig for over a year. According to Mr. McDonald, he was his mother’s full-time caretaker prior to his incarceration. When he was detained in the Henry County Jail on new felony charges, Ms. McLaughlin either relied on her daughter for care or was left unattended.
Ann Bartman said, “ am so relieved Pig has been taken to safety tonight. I only want Miss Rose to get appropriate treatment for her mental health issues. I believe in the saying Mental Health Matters!”
The pictures below were submitted by Ms. Bartman. Ms. Bartman has reported issues with Ms. McLaughlin to the Kewanee Police Department and filed an involuntary/judiciary case in Henry County, with the goal of obtaining a guardian for Ms. McLaughlin. Ann Bartman said she only wants Rose to get the help she needs and find a proper home for the pet pig.
