Wrestling, as a sport, is contested by two human opponents, evenly matched, each of whom enters into the match voluntarily with mutually agreed-upon rules and a common goal. Not so in “matches” like pig wrestling, where frightened animals are unwilling participants exploited by teams of humans for entertainment. One species’ fun is another species’ terror–is this so hard to grasp?

Pigs are intelligent, social animals with high cognitive ability. Being chased around or mishandled by participants in raucous greased-pig contests is terrifying for them.  This is animal cruelty and holds NO PLACE for an event at a family oriented fair.

Pig wrestling might not seem terribly important in the grand scheme of things when much greater and more heinous animal abuse and exploitation exist as a routine matter, but small injustices enable larger ones. Every objection (phone calls, e-mails, letters to the editor, Facebook posts, etc.) has the potential to raise awareness about animal exploitation and bring change. In a relatively small venue like this, we can bring pressure to bear on decision-makers who might deliberate more thoughtfully and compassionately in the future when approached to sponsor animal-exploiting events.

Not only is pig wrestling stupid, it’s mean, too.  And meanness is not entertaining. Let’s find a civil and enlightening way to relay this message to sponsors, fair promoters, and the public.

Please cancel this event!!!!