Wilbur the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig now has a lawyer, who will be a hero to fans of potbellied pigs everywhere if he can convince a Spring neighborhood association that Wilbur should have the same pet status as dogs and cats.

A lawsuit filed on behalf of Wilbur's human family Tuesday asked a district court in Harris County to declare the potbellied pig a "household pet" so he could continue living in a subdivision that forbids livestock.

Missy and Alex Sardo say the 8-month-old, 65-pounder is a pet that plays with their dog and children, sleeps in the laundry room and is house-trained. His Facebook page gains new fans every day, and his feedings are broadcast on "Wilbur cam" three times day.

"People get worried about Wilbur if we are late," Missy Sardo said Tuesday.

Alex Sardo bought Wilbur for his wife as a Christmas gift. The 7-week-old piglet was the size of a kitten when he arrived, and Sardo thinks Wilbur will top out around 100-120 pounds.

After a neighbor squealed on the Sardos' porcine housemate, The Thicket at Cypresswood Community Improvement Association reacted with a snort. Wilbur is a pig, and pigs are livestock, so the swine must go, the association ruled in April.

After a couple of months of piggly wigglying, the two sides were no closer than the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. The association stopped communicating with the family in July. A letter dated Aug. 10 notified the Sardos they had 30 days to get rid of the pig. The letter threatens a lawsuit and notes the court can assess up to $200 per day in civil damages for each day the violation exists.

That oinked off Wilbur's family, who called Mitchell Katine, an HOA law specialist, to file their own lawsuit. Katine contends that pot-bellied pigs are not livestock because they are not raised for food, fiber or farm labor. The attorney has veterinary experts standing by to testify.

The Sardos' lawsuit wants Wilbur declared a household pet so he can stay with his family, in addition to attorney fees and court costs.

"We are taking this proactive approach to move things forward. We just want to bring it to a close and move on," said Missy Sardo, who gets misty-eyed talking about how Wilbur has become part of their family. She hopes the association will agree to mediation.

A lawyer for the association did not return the Chronicle's phone call Tuesday.

Wilbur supporters who gathered at the news conference at the family's home think the matter could be resolved if the association board members would meet him.

He's a friendly critter that loves to munch strawberries, cucumbers and carrots. A favorite nap site is the tile floor under the pool table, which these days is stacked with "Save Wilbur" T-shirts.

lana.berkowitz@chron.com