Greased pig chase

A greased pig chase is a sporting event in which a varying number of participants chase one or more pigs around a set area in a competition to see who can catch the pig first. The most common venues include fairs, fall festivals, and other rural gatherings. The event is closely related to Pig wrestling.

Rules

Rules vary depending on the venue. Some contests use larger pigs, while others use those that are smaller. Some include a single pig, while others use more than one. The pigs are coated with shortening, vegetable oil, or another lubricant. Contestants chase the pigs around a field or other determined area. Depending on the contest, contestants either try to get one or both hands on the pig, tackle and hold the pig down, or drag the pig to a set point. There may be several rounds per contest. The prize for winning is often the pig itself.

Controversy

PETA and other animal rights organizations are against the sport. By being chased and tackled, animal rights activists claim that the pigs are wrongfully abused and often hurt during the practice. Those who participate defend the practice by claiming that the pigs will be sent to the slaughterhouse anyway.

Popular culture

• A variant is shown in The Man in the Iron Mask in which a pig dressed to look like a unicorn is released with a valuable gem hung around its neck. The first to capture the pig is allowed to keep the treasure.

• The television show Family Guy parodies this concept with the Greased-up Deaf Guy; a recurring character that first appears in "#3.1 The Thin White Line" as the quarry of a company picnic event.

See also

• Pig racing
• Pig wrestling