PETA Calls for Royal Norfolk Show to Ban Archaic Pig Races

26 June 2025

PETA Calls for Royal Norfolk Show to Ban Archaic Pig Races

Norfolk – Following the news that three pig races took place at the Royal Norfolk Show (25-26 June), PETA sent a letter to the Managing Director of The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association calling on him to axe pig races from next year’s itinerary and modernise the event with animal-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

PETA points out that forcing pigs to run and exposing them to rowdy crowds is confusing and distressing for the young animals, and sends a harmful message to children that animals can be treated as toys. PETA also notes that more than 150,000 pigs exploited for their flesh are languishing on factory farms in Norfolk right now, where they’re trapped in dark, filthy pens and denied the opportunity to do everything natural and important to them.

“Forcing animals to bolt around a track in front of noisy crowds for a cheap laugh belongs in the same dusty drawer as leech therapy and powdered wigs,” says PETA Vice President of Vegan Corporate Projects Dawn Carr. “These gentle pigs don’t consent to participating in this confusing and stressful event and should be left in peace. Pigs are intelligent, emotionally sensitive animals, not sporting equipment.”

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat” – points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk or follow PETA on Facebook, X, TikTok, or Instagram.

Contact:

Lucy Watson +44 (0) 20 7837 6327; [email protected]

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