The traditional game of “greased pig” was reinstated this year during the celebrations of Friendship Day in the town of Ramona, Santa Fe.
This generated a strong controversy for animal abuse. Environmental and animal protection organizations condemned the activity for considering it a violent practice, anachronistic, and contrary to the current animal protection laws in Argentina.
“Greased pig”: repudiation and accusations of mistreatment in Santa Fe
The “game” held at the event, organized as part of a popular festival, involved releasing a pig into a greased field for participants to try to capture. This is a tradition that had been discontinued in previous years after numerous criticisms.
The NGO Protectionists United for Life publicly condemned the event, arguing that it is a clear case of animal mistreatment and humiliation.
They warned that using the pig as an entertainment object goes against National Law 14,346, which punishes abuse and cruelty towards animals.
“Greased pig is not folklore or tradition, it is cruelty,” they expressed from the organization. They demanded that the realization of these types of shows be prohibited throughout the country, without exceptions.
[
The practice was repudiated and reported. (Photo: La Capital).]
They also pointed out that these practices promote the trivialization of violence towards living beings, especially in environments involving children.
What the municipality said in response to the accusations
Despite the controversy, the municipality of Ramona defended the event, arguing that it was a “festive and cultural” activity and that the animal “was not harmed.”
However, images circulated on social media, showing participants chasing the pig on a slippery terrain, sparked strong public outcry from citizens, protectionists, and environmental advocates throughout the province.
Entities such as the Institute of Animal Law of the Bar Association of Rosario also joined the complaint. In this case, they warned that these activities could constitute criminal offenses if physical or psychological harm to the animal is proven.
Demands for stricter legislation
The case reopened the debate on the need to update national legislation regarding animal protection and welfare. The current law dates back to 1954 and has limitations in addressing complex cases such as public shows involving animals.
Various organizations are calling for a comprehensive legal reform explicitly prohibiting the use of animals in games and shows. Additionally, there is a push to penalize organizers and authorities who allow these practices under the guise of “tradition”.
Controversy with a history: what happened in Mendoza
[
The practice involves using a pig for chasing.]
At the end of 2022, a similar controversy arose in the province of Mendoza, stemming from the same “greased pig” game.
At that time, animal rights defenders associations condemned the members of the City Council of Malargüe, who approved the authorization of cultural and traditional gatherings with traditional games including “greased pig” and “chicken chase” considering them activities filled with cruelty.
“Both games violate National Law 14,346 for the protection of animals, which expressly prohibits any act that harms or harasses animals,” they stated in the released statement.
