Not all county fairs are alike in abusing animals, thanks to the efforts of many animal rights volunteers and workers. Less than fifty years ago, attractions such as goldfish swallowing contests were commonplace in county fairs. These fish were swallowed alive and died a slow death in the acidic environment of the stomach. Although this attraction has mostly stopped, abuses still continue.

Greased Pig Contests

This event is where a child or young adult wrestles a piglet coated in oil or lard and hilarity ensues. Actually, this event isn't very funny for the piglet, which often gets injured during the event, including broken bones and internal injuries. At the end of the event, the piglets usually still face slaughter for meat. These events are banned in some areas, including the entire state of Minnesota.

Other variation of the greased pig contests exists using other baby animals such as calves. These are known as calf scrambles. Although the calves may be larger, they can still die from injuries needlessly sustained in the guise of entertainment.

Exotic Animal Exhibitions

Think tiger acts only happen at circuses? Think again. County fairs also have exhibitions of large animals like elephants, tigers or bears that often involve the animal going through a set of tricks. Although there are animal rescue groups that care for large exotic animals, they do not take the animals to fairs because of low security and large, boisterous crowds.

Conditions for these animals are bad. They may be fed every day and that's about all they get in the way of care. They are "trained" by beatings and often underfed in order to make the animal too tired to fight back. Animal rescue organizations, responsible zoos and animal sanctuaries are full of cast off performing exotic animals who finally fought back.

Animal Giveaways

Many county fairs still give animals away as prizes. These can be anything from the piglet in a greased pig contest to a goldfish in a plastic bag. Animals should never be brought home on impulse. They do not get the care they need in order to survive. For example, a fish tank should be set up and bubbling for one month in advance before any fish are put in. This is because the tank needs to grow beneficial bacteria to help keep the water quality good enough to support fish.

Animal Abandonment

Some exhibitors travel from county fair to county fair all summer with their animals. In order to save money, they do not bother giving the animals a home in the winter and simply release them to their deaths in parking lots or at the side of a highway. It's cheaper to just buy new animals next season.

Learn more about this author, Rena Sherwood.
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