Montreal, July 30, 2015 – Every year, the municipality of Sainte-Perpétue holds an event called the Festival du cochon (“the pig festival”). This year the event is being held from August 5th-9th. The Montreal SPCA is vehemently opposed to this event, as it subjects pigs and wild boars to stress and suffering all in the name of so-called “entertainment”.
During this event, pigs are chased, lifted up in the air, jumped on, dropped into barrels, transported in questionable manners, and forced to run through obstacles in very unnatural settings, and often in hot and humid temperatures. All this exposes them to a high risk of injury, and also causes high levels of stress and fear, as pigs are very sensitive and intelligent animals. In fact, studies show that pigs are more intelligent than dogs and even some primates.
The Montreal SPCA strongly condemns the use of pigs, or any other animal, for entertainment purposes, particularly in settings which inherently compromise their welfare. The Montreal SPCA believes it is time for the municipality of Sainte-Perpétue to put an end to this inhumane festival which causes so much pain and suffering to pigs every year.
Please express your concerns about the welfare of the pigs used in Sainte-Perpétue’s Festival du cochon by taking the following actions:
- Sign and share the Canadians for the Ethical Treatment of Farm Animals’ petition by clicking here
- Write to the Mayor of Sainte-Perpétue, Mme Line Théroux, and politely ask her to put an end to this festival: municipalite@ste-perpetue.qc.ca
- Choose entertainment or leisure activities that are not based on the exploitation of animals.
Please note that the Montreal SPCA has not investigated this festival because it is not our inspection territory and because only the Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has the power to apply provincial animal welfare legislation to farm animals. Those who wish to make a complaint regarding the use of pigs in this festival can contact MAPAQ at 1-844-ANIMAUX.
To learn more about the Montreal SPCA’s policy on the topic of animals in entertainment and captivity, please click here and consult page 6.
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Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Media Relations Coordinator, Montreal SPCA, 514-226-3932, or anitak@spca.com.
About the Montreal SPCA
Founded in Montreal in 1869, we were the first humane society in Canada and our mission is to:
- protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation;
- represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
- raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.
For more information about the Montreal SPCA, please visit our website at www.spca.com.
