Growing up, I lived next to a small hog confinement whose owner took exemplary care of his animals. This was not just his business; it was a way of life filled with respect and compassion for the creatures under his stewardship. He would invite us children to hold the piglets, fostering a sense of empathy and kindness toward animals, while his wife baked cookies, offering warmth and hospitality. Pigs, as we learned, are intelligent and sensitive beings, deserving of our care and respect. Hence, witnessing animal cruelty disguised as entertainment within educational settings is profoundly troubling.

Recently, during FFA Week at Erie High School, Erie, Illinois, students were encouraged to chase a greased pig around a pen on school premises during class hours. Such activities are not only a display of disrespect towards animals but also a contradiction of the core values that organizations like the Future Farmers of America (FFA) are supposed to instill—responsibility, ethical treatment, and respect for farm animals.

The practice of greasing up pigs and forcing animals into situations of panic and distress for the sake of entertainment is unjust. This is not a testament to farming practices or the values of future generations of farmers. Instead, it is an abhorrent abuse of animals that must be eradicated. Pigs, just like any other domesticated or farm animal, should be treated with dignity and care. They are deserving of protection, especially from the organizations claiming to educate the future caretakers of our environment and food supply.

This petition calls upon Erie High School and the Erie FFA chapter to immediately discontinue this event permanently. We urge the FFA to embody the true spirit of responsible and ethical farming by replacing harmful activities with educational and compassionate alternatives that align with their mission of promoting agricultural responsibility and animal welfare.

Let us use this moment to educate and inspire future farmers to value every living creature's welfare as they pursue careers in agriculture. The time to act is now to affirm our commitment to protecting the earth and its creatures.

Please sign this petition to help abolish the pig-chasing event and encourage Erie High School's FFA to promote humane interactions with animals, ultimately shaping a kinder world for all living beings.