Every September, the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce in Georgia hosts a greased pig chase. For hours, one by one, terrified piglets are brought into an arena and thrust towards mobs of screaming children who run after them grabbing and clawing to try to be the first one to "claim" the pig.

After being roughly handled, the pigs are chased by children, teens, and young adults who pile on them with their full body weight. Pigs suffer emotionally and physically as they are body-slammed to the ground and their limbs, ears, and tails, are yanked, bent backward, and twisted by the frenzied crowd. GARP documented the event workers slamming the pigs down, slapping them, and spitting on them in front of the crowd.

Pigs are sensitive, intelligent, affectionate animals who experience physical and emotional harm at this event. Pigs instinctively fear being chased by predators and experience sheer terror while being pursued by a manic group of screaming people trying to catch them.

In addition to being traumatic and extremely frightening for the pigs, animal chasing events desensitize children and teach them that terrorizing and hurting animals is acceptable behavior.

The Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce claims the city is "forwardly innovative". Please sign the petition to let them know that violent events promoting animal cruelty are not innovative and they do not make Barnesville a desirable place to visit or do business.

PLEASE ALSO CALL THE CHAMBER AND ASK THEM TO STOP THIS CRUEL EVENT: 770-358-5884!

To see video of the Barnesville greased pig chase click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_eq_5Pbgnc