In Northern Wisconsin, a “pig wrestling” event is scheduled at the Caldron Falls Bar and Grill on Saturday, July 23rd. “Pig wrestling” consists of grown men tackling pigs by “punching them in the face, kicking and body-slamming them for fun.” They will also be killed according to the Global Conservation Group (GCG.)
Last month, the Stoughton Fair in Wisconsin canceled their pig wrestling event after a public outcry. Stoughton city council offered to donate $6,000 to the fair if the event was canceled. The fair was not happy but knew they had no choice but to accept the offer. They said the people involved would be disappointed and no animals or humans have ever been hurt at their “wrestling” events.
GCG is prepared to file charges against Caldron Falls Bar and Grill for holding the event. The bar has held the contest for 30 years. They’ve made it known they will not be canceling the event and claims it (pig wrestling event) helps to boost the local economy. It will be the 31st Annual Hog Wrestling Competition if held.
Hunter Shaffer of the GCG has filed for an injunction to stop the event and will go to court because it violates Wisconsin statutes that prohibit cruelty to animals. The GCG will also bring charges against the bar if the event is held as scheduled.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. 951.02 and 951.08, this form of activity is a felony-level offense in Wisconsin. The event not only poses danger to the pigs but to children. Kids are encouraged to submerge themselves in muddy water filled with the pig’s urine and feces. This violates Wisconsin’s child welfare laws and regulations.
According to the GCG, the following has been witnessed on a video at a former pig wrestling event:
a.Some of the pigs that were forced to participate ran right beck to the gate separating them from the pen containing the rest of the pigs. The animals can be seen desperately lunging at the gate trying to rejoin the rest of the pigs and escape the abuse of the humans.
b.When attempting to lift the pig, participants dragged the pig against harsh fencing materials. Some of the pigs had noticeable injuries following the matches that could have been caused by this.
c.Adult men and teenage boys repeatedly body-slammed on the pigs back causing the animal’s legs to buckle. In some instances, audible noise can be heard from the body weight coming down fully onto the pigs and the pigs vocalizing.
d.Often during the struggle, the pigs’ heads would be forced down into the muddy water making it impossible for them to breathe. Pigs were repeatedly hoisted into the air and dropped. Teams that accomplished the goal of getting the pig on or in the barrel let the pig fall from the top rather than easing the pig back onto the ground.
e.To prevent the pig from running away, adults on numerous occasions grabbed the pig’s legs and forcefully pulled them. Some pigs can be seen limping away from its pursuers.
f.Throughout every match each pig was loudly vocalizing their distress in a loud manner. When returned to their holding pen with the other pigs this vocalization ceased.
g. Many of the pigs were seen breathing through their mouths and appearing to hyperventilate
The Global Conservation Group will be holding a peaceful protest at the event Saturday, July 23 at 1 PM – 3 PM in CDT, W12326 Parkway Road, Twin Bridge, Wisconsin, 54114
If you would like to make your voice be heard, please politely call and email the subjects below urging them to cancel the event:
Caldron Falls Bar & Grill: 715-757-3467
Marinette County State’s Attorney: 715-732-7490 and allen.brey@da.wi.gov
Marinette County Sheriff’s Department: 715-732-7600
You can view a video of grown men “wrestling a pig.”
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer and animal advocate. She hosts the show, ” A Close-Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” Have a story, please email Tina at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues and check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com for all the tv shows you may have missed!
Please call or write to stop this madness! Your voices will help to stop this!
Thanks.
Assholes
What kind of sport is this? Grown men tackling a pig. What’s the reason behind it? Will they ever run out of ideas to torture animals? People are twisted. I’m embarrassed of my fellow man.
It’s not a “sport.” It’s animal cruelty contrary to what people say who participate in it or those who support or sponsor it. It has been banned in some areas.
Cathy Mcguire Reeves: They think there men?????? Seriously?????? That is animal abuse !!!!!! It needs to be stopped NOW!!!!!! Shame on the places that sponsor it….shut them down!!!!!!!!! My God what are we becoming when hurting innocent animals is Entertainment ???? This is America not Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!
This comment came from Cathy from the fb page. I hope you don’t mind but I thought what you said was on point and so right!
Janine Choplick Showin’ n provin’ how ‘telligent and fulla strong stuff wanna be man guys are. The pig is, without any doubt, smarter than these bullies. Please, write and or email on behalf of these abused and tormented animals!
This comment is from Janine from A close up look at animal welfare’s page. I hope you don’t mind. But, it’s true what you wrote. Pigs are smarter than humans, the bullies.
I agree that we need to write and call our lawmakers, those in charge of these “pig wrestling” matches. Let them know politely why you think this is animal cruelty and not in the best interest of the pigs. We need to be their voices.
Thank you.
Why is this even allowed? It’s animal cruelty. GRRRRRRRR
You “men” look like hicks and stupid. Fight among yourselves, fools.
I feel that pig wrestling should not be allowed.very disgusting.
Pig wrestling has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard of. What idiot thought up this? Sheer stupidity.
It’s incomprehensible why anyone would participate in such a vile activity. It boggles the rational mind. If it’s about outsmarting a pig, the men will lose every time. The world is full of morons.
I swear to God we are sub humans to “wrestle” (commit animal cruelty) with a pig. The pigs are smarter than the people. This is what you call redneck territory to even think of something so “stoopid” . I’m ashamed of the human race. They must be wired differently to be involved in this. Why would anyone allow this? I’m stumped.
The wrestlers are the real “pigs.”
According to the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the festival, “ostrich races captivate audiences with their crazy riders and unexpected animal behavior.”
Jc Demmy, what does that have to do with the pig wrestling? This isn’t an ostrich race. Did they hold an ostrich race in addition to the pig wrestling?
Are there no limits to stupidity when it comes to animals? Pigs are smart and have feelings. Why don’t we have a contest and throw, kick and stomp on people? Anyone in favor? Me, me!