Derby, Connecticut is planning to hold a pig race as part of its Derby Day festivities on June 29, which has drawn fire from Friends of Animals which considers it cruel to allow spectators to watch pigs race around a track.
Friends of Animals’ Jessica Rae Patton told The Connecticut Post,
It’s inhumane to pigs because pigs can’t sweat; they have no sweat glands and can’t pant. They need pools of water and mud holes to keep cool, and they shouldn’t be made to run in the summer heat. It’s ludicrous
John Coscia, a member of the Derby Cultural Commission, countered that the animals are treated humanely and have access to wallowing pools and rest areas. Coscia told The Connecticut Post,
I don’t think it is inhumane like they say. I’ve seen these pig races before and they’re fine.
Of course Friends of Animals thinks it is cruel to ever have animals perform for entertainment purposes. According to Patton,
We don’t think any animal should be forced to perform for entertainment.
That is a sentiment that Friends of Animals’ Priscilla Feral reinforced, saying,
I don’t think the pigs should be used for entertainment purposes in spectator sport. Pig should be left alone.
Source:
Pig race promotion prompts complaints. Associated Press, May 25, 2003.
Official: Pig racers for Derby Day not mistreated. Anthony Spinelli, The Connecticut Post, May 12, 2003.