News Conference: PETA Video Shows Why Violent ‘Bacon Bash’ Must End

Group to Release New Recording of Screaming Pigs Being Chased, Tackled, Dragged, and Terrorized at Bandera Spectacle

For Immediate Release:
April 10, 2019

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Today, PETA will hold a news conference to show new video footage of terrified pigs being chased, grabbed, and terrorized at the Bacon Bash, the latest name of an annual “wild hog catch” that took place last month in Bandera, Texas—and will call on Gov. Greg Abbott to issue an executive order shutting down any such events. Appearing at the news conference will be a veterinarian who will discuss the effects that violent events such as this can have on animals and children.

When:    Wednesday, April 10, 12 noon

Where:   San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk (Feltin Room), 207 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio

PETA’s eyewitnesses videotaped staff at the event dragging young pigs by one or more legs around the arena. Contestants chased the petrified animals; grabbed them by the ears, tail, or snout; lifted them off the ground by the legs; and stuffed them into sacks, as they cried out. Many panicked animals leapt face-first into the metal arena fencing as they frantically tried to escape, cutting and bloodying their faces. Children at the event were egged on to participate.

“Screaming, panicked young pigs were tormented and tortured for a bit of crude fun that should shame everyone associated with it,” says PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden. “PETA is urging Gov. Abbott to end this disgustingly cruel spectacle and asking every decent person to steer clear of events such as this that abuse animals.”

PETA has this morning filed a complaint with local law-enforcement officials and alerted the Texas Animal Health Commission in Austin that Bandera County and whoever transported the animals appear to have violated state laws governing the holding and movement of feral pigs. Such violations can carry criminal penalties.

Video footage will be available at and following the news conference. PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—opposes speciesism, which is the human-supremacist view that other species are ours to use and abuse for amusement. For more information, please visit PETA.org.