If this were a Native American tradition it would be a Federally protected activity.

At what point do other traditions become equally protected?

I am happy that in my community in the Bay area, we support healthy family events and do not advance traditions that are archaic and cruel towards baby animals.

In fact, I was quite surprised to learn that in our neighboring community of Woodside, people enjoy chasing baby pigs. Piglets are small prey animals and they do not enjoy being chased. As far as the piglet is concerned, during a scramble, it is being chased by a predator and will be eaten if caught. It would be the same as to say that the Mounted Patrol men would enjoy being chased by Grizzly Bears as a playtime event. Perhaps the entire event was to be staged and no real harm would come to the men, but as far as the men knew, the event was real and if caught they would suffer life threatening harm. That is the level of stress I imagine that the piglets endure, which the Mounted Men are so cavalier about in their statement.

The article written by the Mounted Patrol was largely self-serving and completely misleading. At no time, have I heard anyone claim that the Mounted Patrol abuses their horses and their stabling of horses is not at issue. The overall treatment of farm animals in relation to the Mounted Patrol is not at issue. The singular event of the Mounted Patrol sponsoring and endorsing baby piglets being chased, terrified and thrown about, is at issue. The fact that the Mounted Patrol has not yet been cited with animal cruelty does not justify the event nor excuse their conduct in sanctioning such an event.

If the Mounted Patrol was truly concerned with offering healthy family friendly activity, involving baby farm animals and children, it would consider a healthy piglet petting activity. However, rather than focus on healthy interaction between children and baby piglets, the Mounted Patrol laments about the loss of tradition in the face of progress. It is almost as if the Mounted Patrol longs for the days gone by, where electricity had yet to be invented and most people were not educated and led tough frontier lives. Certainly, the understanding of animals as sentient beings did not concern our frontier ancestors and it appears the Mounted Patrol longs for the days when animal abuse and suffering was not an issue of concern for people.

The Mounted Patrol also cries about its protection of the baby piglet scramble as a cultural icon of some type. Certainly, people still enjoy attending rodeos, however, most rodeos do not have piglet scramble events nor is a baby piglet scramble the focus of a rodeo or the cultural stamp of a rodeo. In fact, in two states in this country, piglet scrambles are expressly forbidden as it is considered cruel to piglets. I do not know why the piglet scramble is a cultual event for the Mounted Patrol but I suspect it stands alone in this claim that piglet scrambles must be protected because it is a strong cultural representation or tradition of Americans.

Most people have progressed in their understanding of animals and the traditional treatment of animals. In fact, the very reason Sea World stopped its practice of showing Killer Whales, and Ringling Brothers stopped its showing of elephants, and eventually went out of business, was because people grew in their understanding of animal suffering and cruelty. I am at a loss to discern how the Mounted Patrol can link animal cruelty to patriotic duty. To me patriotism and tradition does not involve cruelty to animals. Patriotism, to me, involves a love of the freedom of our country and certainly our freedom to decide as a collective enlightened people that we do not abide by animal cruelty in any form.

I am thankful that my city does not condone such barbaric activity as a baby piglet scramble and assure you that many other citizens in neighboring cities are shocked that this event takes place in Woodside and further shocked by the Mounted Patrol's views and conduct.

This person is a terrible spokesperson for the Mounted Patrol. [Portion removed; debate the ideas but personal attacks are not welcome.] How is this activity even remotely tied to "freedom", "patriotism" and " and "protecting and serving?" Discrimination means refusing to treat someone equally based on an inherent quality like race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation etc. It doesn't mean any and all activities of these persons or groups are protected. From my understanding, there are many people in Woodside who are expressing themselves through a democratic process. They are petitioning their elected Town Council members to stop an activity that takes place in their Town that involves the abuse of animals. They have a right to do this. In any event, pig "scrambles" are not a mainstay (or even a part) of Western culture - and even if they were, we no longer condone shootouts at high noon to settle disputes, or hangings in the town square as a form of punishment. Further, slavery was once a proud, Southern cultural "practice". The Mounted Patrol need to wake up and smell the coffee.

OMG, I cannot believe they wrote this! Do they have any clue how it comes across?

"The arc of the moral universe is long, ... but it bends towards justice." Over many years, more and more "cultural traditions" that were once considered OK, are now viewed as bad things. "Surprised in Woodside" said it well.

If nobody attends the pig scramble, there won't be any pigs to scramble, and that would be a good thing for the people and the pigs.

Animal cruelty???

Please share irrefutable evidence that supports this claim so all readers can appreciate your position.

Thanks!

Dana Hendrickson: Please share irrefutable evidence that the activity in question is NOT animal cruelty.

Thank you.

Dana, it's easy. Let's just strip you naked, slather you in oil and let a bunch of kids chase you around a pen and ask how you feel.

I'm not an animal rights activist, but I do see our world changing to have more respect for the fact that other animals aren't that different from us, and that treating them with increased respect isn't a bad thing.

Ah, the Pig Scramble. Is it a fun-for-all event? Or animal cruelty? Does it show a carefree town of young cowgirls and -boys? Or does it terrorize other living beings? Opinions vary.

One proponent of the Pig Scramble says there's no evidence the pigs don't like it. After all, he says, they don't tell us to stop. Meanwhile, opponents are certain that the pigs don't like it one bit. One wonders.

In the interest of Town harmony, here's a modest proposal that ought to satisfy everyone. How 'bout rounding up a bunch of human toddlers who don't yet speak clearly? Grease 'em up and put 'em in a pen. Then let loose older-kids twice their size, chasing, yelling, grabbing, pulling them out of their hiding places by their tiny toddler limbs.

To add lasting meaning to Woodside's celebration of Western Tradition and Culture, grown-ups should record the toddlers'squeals of delight and excitement, and their clumsy scampering.

And in the toddlers' later years, they could watch the event over and over. Oh, how grand it'll be re-live that day, longing now to be big enough to do the chasing instead of the screaming.

Thus would the glorious tradition endure.

Mounted Patrol must be a "real" man thing. Boy o boy, man handling little pigs. Is the why the Sheriff took your San Mateo County badges away from you? I know, god forbid, a woman would like to be a member.

This spoke person needs professional help.

The Mounted Patrol need to watch their arguments. Many of us have been following this story as it unfolds in our community, and the "pig activists" aren't random "animal rights" people, but concerned neighbors here in town. What else are citizens supposed to do when they believe that a societal issue, like the treatment of animals, needs to be examined in a civil way? They have brought it to the town government in an attempt to present the issue to the community. That is the way a civil society functions.
As far as challenging a tradition, traditions aren't sacrosanct merely beacuse they are traditions. There are many traditions that we as a society have challenged: slavery, withholding the right to vote from women, public lynchings. We have done the same thing with animal issues. We no longer allow dog fighting, cock-fighting and have penal codes that define the way we must treat animals. And just because something is still legal does not make it right. Animal fighting used to be legal too. These changes would not have come about if people were not willing to stand up and ask for change. Why does the Pounted patrol think their activities are immune from this process?
If the Mounted Patrol were true patriots they would support this group's right to ask that this issue be discussed and evaluated in the peaceful way it has been brought forward. That process is a true pillar of our country, and many of us who are patriots believe it deserves to be defended.
Also, the Mounted Patrol seems to be exaggerating this group's agenda. The group hasn't said that "anyone that rides a horse, keeps a horse in a stall, or eats meat is considered an animal abuser." They have just asked that the community take a real look at the treatment of the pigs involved in the event, and whether this treatment, as a form of entertainment, is justified.
For me, the argument published here by the Mounted Patrol has cost them dearly in terms of credibility. Too bad they have publicly presented such a weak argument - it does them a disservice. But maybe its the best they can do in the face of trying to defend this questionable "sport". If this is their brand of patriotism, count me out. I'll stick with the other side - I can see who the bullies are here.

"Cultural heritage and traditions associated with western culture are protected under cultural rights that are recognized not only in the United States..."

In what document?

Does the Mounted Patrol want this much negative attention? Why is the pig scramble this important? It is time to let it go. The negative impact will hurt your Rodeo and your image. A service group that sees animal abuse as part of their heritage? Thousands of people have let you know how they feel and how little regard they have for you. This is all in response to your fight against stepping into 1917. All you need to do is proudly get with it. Announce that you can not condone animal abuse. This would all be done.

"All you need to do is proudly get with it. Announce that you can not condone animal abuse. This would all be done."

The reason they can't is that there are plenty of people that think rodeo events are animal abuse. The Patrol is afraid if they give an inch on this they will end up giving a mile on the rodeo. They are afraid of the proverbial "slippery slope." Broncing Buck comes to mind. As does bull riding. The broncing buck is spurred to get him to buck. Watch rodeo video in slow motion and you'll see the cowboys running their spurs over the horses shoulders to make sure they buck. Bull riding - the bull is pissed off to have someone on his back. Wouldn't you? The former, abuse? Yes. The latter? Maybe.

Bottom line, the whole rodeo, pig scramble nonsense is some people trying to hang on to the past. A past, where, as others have pointed out, that slavery and other atrocities were "traditional." Yet we have, as a society, decided that we aren't willing to put up with nor accept those "traditions."

The Patrol is really tone deaf here. If they really think the pig scramble is OK, then have it put to a vote of the residents of Woodside. If the majority vote that its OK, then so be it. If the majority says get rid of it, then get rid of it. This isn't brain surgery. And it isn't about maintaining some ridiculous "tradition."

I have been a Woodside resident since 1988 and have always been proud of my Town. Recently however it became embarrassing for our family to say we live in Woodside. During a recent trip to the San Francisco Symphony, my husband mentioned to a couple sitting next to us that we live in Woodside. They said they heard about Woodside and that it is the "Pig Scramble capital" .

Apparently San Francisco Chronicle has referred to Woodside as 'pig scramble capital'. 4th of July pig scramble was covered on local news with a warning that the video footage of the pig scramble had disturbing scenes.

I hope the Town Council bans pig scramble so that we can proudly say we live in Woodside.

First, we respect the Mounted Patrol and honor the organization's ongoing commitment to public service. We had some frank, yet very cordial, conversations with several members during the protest of the pig “scramble” last year. At this point in time, Mr. Aenlle and other members of the Mounted Patrol have had ample opportunity to listen to our concerns, review the video of the event that showed young pigs being chased by large groups of children then dragged and thrown by adult handlers, and hear the statements of the many professionals who oppose the activity including veterinarians, animal husbandry experts and the head of the Peninsula SPCA. Mr. Aenlle is certainly aware that this is a local effort and (as of the latest count) close to 200 Woodside residents have now signed a petition asking for this inhumane event to end since it doesn’t resonate with Woodside’s values.

Most people who live in Woodside have a real affinity for animals and don’t like to see them mistreated. This is evident in the many posts on our local Nextdoor group - kind neighbors go out of their way to attend to a dog, cat, horse, goat or even a chicken that looks like it has gotten loose, may be lost or is in need of attention or care. People have a lot of compassion for animals here and it shows. This is the reason why they oppose the pig “scramble” - because they value animals and don’t like seeing them treated badly. Mr. Aenlle keeps making an odd argument that if we show concern for pigs, what’s next “the horses, the chickens?” Our answer is that if foals or chickens were being used in a pay-to-play animal “scramble” at the Fourth of July rodeo, then yes, we’d show concern for them as well.

As to the argument that animal “scrambles” aren’t illegal, this is true. There remain large gaps in animal cruelty statutes at all levels of government. For example, Greyhound racing is still legal in some states even though it is totally inhumane. The criteria for whether something is a humane activity that warrants community support is not simply that “hey, it’s legal.” Laws that protect animals are rapidly evolving and the Mounted Patrol would generate a lot of goodwill and indeed praise from the community if these men would champion animal welfare - not just for horses. What great role models they could be! Mr. Aenlle doesn’t seem to see the big picture. To put it in terms he might understand, Mr. Aenlle and his cohorts may win the pig scramble “battle” by clinging to an outdated view of animal welfare yet lose the war in terms of longer-term support of Woodside neighbors and those in the greater Bay Area as well. A member of Woodside's Livestock and Equestrian Heritage Committee already suggested to the Mounted Patrol: "Why not just let this go as sentiment is changing?"

As to the argument that the pig “scramble” is a “cultural practice” and "associated with Western heritage” and is “protected under cultural rights” in the United States and internationally, well, if Mr Aenlle can cite the appropriate statute or legal precedent that would be helpful but there is simply no basis for this statement. Anecdotally, one of our committee is from a ranching family in Clayton, New Mexico. One of her uncles was a stock auctioneer. Her mother, who grew up there and her cousins who still live there have never heard of a pig “scramble.” In fact, many people with whom we have spoken locally, even those who grew up in farming communities haven’t heard of this activity. Our Western frontier ancestors certainly didn’t wake up in the morning and say “hey kids, let’s all go down to the barn and chase the baby pigs around for fun before we get to work feeding them." This is not animal husbandry, it is animal harassment. Animal "scrambles" are novelty events at fairs and some rodeos and they are being voluntarily dropped in recent years as inhumane and superfluous. Certainly no one is pinning their “identity” on it. Adult pig “scrambles” which you can still find online are pretty gruesome. (Of note, the Mounted Patrol staged an adult pig "scramble" several years ago as well.)

Mr. Aenlle's repeated statements that our Committee is being dishonest about its real aims and intends to go after the rodeo are simply false. Nothing we can say apparently will convince him. If our aim was to end the rodeo, we would have worked on that from the beginning. We have for almost a year, expressed a clear, consistent message that we are seeking an end to this one non-sanctioned rodeo event, namely the pig “scramble." We have spent much time and effort, worked to maintain a civil public discourse, presented evidence (mostly pictures and videos of the actual event) and professional statements, and treated others with respect along the way. We are in this for the long haul and want to maintain positive relationships with neighbors and the Town.

As a final note, we wish to publicly acknowledge the Town staff - they have been very professional and responsive to us and we believe the Town understands that we are engaging in healthy civic discourse on an issue that is relevant to many in Woodside.

If you would like to support this effort, please contact us at humanewoodside@gmail.com
You can also email the Town Council at council.members@woodsidetown.org to express your views

Fascinating , I make a simple and reasonable request for "expert" evidence that the pig scramble is a REAL example of "Animal cruelty" and the best opponents can do is respond with self-righteous opinions and insulting sarcasm. So, on one hand you want others to support your position but do not offer interested residents any persuasive evidence that your claim is true. Why not? Unfortunately. your attitudes give praiseworthy activists a bad name.

Dana Hendrickson -- "I make a simple and reasonable request for "expert" evidence that the pig scramble is a REAL example of "Animal cruelty"..."

When you don't provide ANY evidence to back your case (such as it is), you leave yourself open to not being taken seriously.

Surprised you haven't figured that out yet.

Say hello to the Mounted Patrol for us.

PROOF OF CRUELTY (in addition to common human decency and compassion):

World-renowned animal behaviorist, Dr. Temple Grandin, has written extensively on these matters. Her own autism has given her significant insights. As noted, pigs--like most animals used/abused in the rodeo--are "prey" animals. As such, they fear for their very lives when chased, jumped on, ridden and roughly handled (e.g., "pig scrambles"). Unlike the kids, they assuredly are NOT having "fun." Consider the following statement from Dr. Grandin:

"In assessing criteria for suffering, psychological stress--which is fear stress--should be considered as important as suffering induced by pain. Fear stress is highly aversive, and subjecting an animal to intense fear stress would be very detrimental to welfare. There are some animals that are approximately equal in nervous system complexity, such as dogs and pigs. I feel very strongly that we owe agricultural animals a decent life, and I will be the first to admit that some agricultural practices need to be changed."

Add to that the fact that more than 30 San Mateo County veterinarians have signed a statement recommending an end to the scrambles. Ken White, president of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA has also submitted strong letters of opposition to this abuse. And an on-line "anti-scramble" petition garnered 26,000 signatures in less than a month. What does it take, pray, an Act of God? (A Town Council with some integrity would be even better.) The scrambles have to go.

There's a crying need for a county ordinance banning ALL such animal "scrambles" (pigs, calves, chickens, whatever), along with other gratuitous and cruel rodeo events such as "wild cow milking" and "mutton busting." CONTACT ALL MEMBERS OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

IN THE INTERIM:
Woodside Town Council - council.members@woodsidetown.org
Victor Aenlle, Capt., Mounted Patrol - mpsmc42@sbcglobal.net
Bob Sherman, Principal, Woodside Elementary - bsherman@woodsideschool.us
Ken White, Peninsula Humane Society - kwhite@peninsulahumanesociety.org

As Tennessee Williams famously wrote, "Cruelty is the only unforgivable sin." Time to "cowboy up," Woodside.

x
Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland - afa@mcn.org

Oh boy...

Let me try and explain this as clearly as I can, Palominogal: A previous commenter on this thread challenged the notion that the Pig Scramble constituted a case of animal cruelty. What I did was to point out that the commenter did *not* provide evidence that the Pig Scramble was *not* a case of animal cruelty, and for them to be taken seriously, they had to provide actual, solid evidence to back their stance.

If this isn't clear to you, then there is nothing more I can do.

The Woodside Mounted Patrol claims it does not condone the mistreatment of animals. This statement is blatantly false as they defend this barbaric event where frantic, terrified babies are chased down by insensitive humans as though this is humorous and entertaining. It's not funny nor is it entertaining, and for them to try to portray this issue as an infringement upon their personal liberties is as cowardly as it is ludicrous. They terrorize innocent babies and then cast themselves into the role of victims? Seriously? The best defense they can muster is that it's been going on for 40 years? They're not breaking any laws? Have these clowns ever considered that there have been serial killers who have operated for over 40 years and slavery didn't break any laws for thousands? If Woodside Mounted Patrol can't come up with a justification better than this, then we, the other side, rest our case.

What I hear the opponents of the pig scramble saying is, it is cruel because the pigs don't like it. Is there no difference between not liking something and cruelty?

Many dogs don't like to take a bath, get groomed, have their nails clipped, or go to the vet. Since dogs don't like it, is that also cruelty? Some dogs are even terrified by these activities. Should they be banned as well?

Opponents of the pig scramble seem to have acquired their great understanding of animal psychology from watching animated Disney movies.

These men in this Mounted Patrol are anything but men of "principle". Harming baby animals is hardly a principled act. And they speak of supporting tradition. Chasing baby pigs through the mud is hardly a tradition worth maintaining. For their information, traditions change. Slavery is illegal. Women now vote and can wear jeans. So is gender discrimination. Get some gals in this organization or disband it. Rodeo events are not based on American tradition. Sorry, boys, it is Mexican/Spanish. Time for you to wake up. It is the 21st century.