Cheryl Waitt | Support HB1013

I support HB 1013. Pig scrambles are not harmless games. The animals involved are frightened, chased, restrained, and confined for the purpose of entertainment. This is not incidental stress — fear is the very mechanism that makes the event work. That is abuse, regardless of whether there are rules or supervision. This is also not the lesson we should be teaching children. When we normalize frightening and mistreating animals for amusement, we send the message that power over a vulnerable being is acceptable. That is not how we cultivate empathy, responsibility, or respect — qualities we should expect of our future leaders. New Hampshire can honor agriculture and rural traditions without promoting inhumane treatment of animals. There are many ways to educate children about farming, stewardship, and food systems that do not rely on fear or suffering. I urge the legislature to take a clear stand against inhumane treatment and support HB 1013.