Stop Pig Wrestling at Wild West Days in Viroqua, WI
Stop Pig Wrestling at Wild West Days in Viroqua, WI
The Viroqua Wild West Days in Viroqua, Wisconsin is a beloved tradition in rural Wisconsin and is advertised as, "Where Old West Meets The New." The community comes together to enjoy old time barbers, reenactors, a wild west saloon, street performers, games for kids, and food vendors. Unfortunately, this tradition is not fun for everyone. The infamous "Hog Wrestling" event is inhumane and cruel to animals, which violates Wisconsin's animal cruelty laws. Chapter 951 of Wisconsin state law reads, "No person may treat any animal, whether belonging to the person or another, in a cruel manner."
This August 21, 2021 event entails teams chasing a pig around a small muddy pit, ultimately trying to stuff them into a barrel before their time runs out. While the crowd cheers on with excitement, the terrified pigs struggle desperately to get away from the manhandling and assault they will endure if they are caught. It is clear that the pigs do not want to participate. Billed as a "family friendly" event, it perpetuates the idea that it is okay to harm other animals for the purposes of entertainment. Pigs are sensitive, complex, and loving creatures who deserve to be treated with respect.
This type of event has been cancelled across the country after community calls for treating animals with dignity have been honored. A few examples, including two in Wisconsin, can be found below:
A similar petition directed at this specific event, put together in 2016 by the Alliance for Animals, gathered 119,272 signatures of support. We are again asking the Viroqua Wild West Days, please cancel your planned pig wrestling contest.
Join a group of concerned community members in calling on Viroqua Wild West Days to cancel this cruel event and replace it with a humane alternative activity. Please sign this petition and share it with others.