Pig wrestling is a "sport" in which a pig is slathered with oil and set free in a muddy pit. A crowd of people, usually children, then run into the pit and chase the terrified animal around. Pigs are one of the most intelligent animals on Earth and deserve our respect, not abuse.
Target: Jeff Byerly, Corydon, Indiana fair board president
Goal: Put an end to pig wrestling event.
Pig wrestling is a sport in which a pig is slathered with oil and set free in a muddy pit. A crowd of people, usually children, then run into the pit and chase the terrified animal around. Such an event is scheduled to take place at a Kentucky fair. Although the event seems relatively harmless, there’s reason to believe that it can place unnecessary physical and emotional stress on the pig. Oftentimes, the pig is tackled to the ground, dragged, and contorted at odd angles.
It is widely known that pigs are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. According to a report by NBC News, an experiment took place in the 1990s in which pigs were trained to move a computer cursor with their snouts. When the pigs were given a memory game, it was discovered that they could learn the task as quickly as chimps. Pigs are clearly sensitive animals that demonstrate signs of advanced cognition. Humans should not purposely terrify them for amusement. As others have noted, few would dare to do such a thing to a companion animal such as a cat or a dog, because they would be locked up for abuse. Sanitation is another concern. When children are exposed to the bodily effluvia of a pig, this poses a public health risk.
Why should entertainment place so much stress on an innocent animal? Please sign this petition to ask the fair board president of Corydon, Indiana to put a stop to this event and replace it with something more humane.
Dear Mr. Byerly,
I don’t think that the pig wrestling event should be held at the Corydon fair. Although I’m sure your intentions are pure, I have some concerns about the activity. Is it really ethical to place an innocent animal into an arena for a crowd of people to chase? Many studies have shown that pigs are extraordinarily intelligent animals. They demonstrate many signs of advanced cognition, and it’s not unreasonable to assume that they can feel pain and emotion.
In addition, I am concerned about the public health risks that this poses. When people come into contact with a pig and its bodily substances, there is a danger of the transmission of diseases and pathogens. Would it really be so difficult to replace the pig wrestling event with something more humane, such as a petting zoo?
I ask that you please put an end to this event and replace it with an activity that does not inflict undue stress and pain upon an intelligent, innocent creature.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
