Animals always lose in greased pig contests
September 7th, 2006 by admin
Today’s St. Petersburg Times published a letter to the editor from ARFF’s President:
“Nothing entertaining about greased pigs
Re: Pig catching rubs some the wrong way, Sept. 4.
The article about last weekend’s greased pig contest at the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City was refreshing for its honesty. The writer’s description of the torment of pigs, despite organizers’ pleas to participants not to hurt the animals, was troubling, but exposed the truth behind this outrageous event. The writer’s jokes about the possibility of pig’s suffering broken bones during the contest were insensitive, but accurate.
If chasing terrified pigs wasn’t horrible enough, winners were encouraged to take a pig home. Will the Pioneer Florida Museum ensure that these pigs receive a proper diet, sufficient shelter and regular health checks? Are these children and their parents aware that pigs can grow to weigh several hundred pounds, and can live to be 10 years old? Who will teach these children proper handling of these large animals, or how to clean the animal’s ears or trim tusks and hooves?
Several years ago, the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida campaigned against a greased pig contest at the Martin County Fair. Thankfully, the event was replaced by a lumberjack contest.
We hope that this year’s inaugural greased pig contest will be the last.
Nanci Alexander, President Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, Fort Lauderdale”
Help us to make the inaugural Pioneer Days greased pig contest the last! Please write to the Director of the Pioneer Florida Museum and ask her not to include the event in future festivals.
Pioneer Florida Museum
Christine Smith, Director
15602 Pioneer Museum Road
Dade City, FL 33525
Phone: (352) 567-0262
E-mail: curator@pioneerfloridamuseum.org
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