Letter from Nedim C. Buyukmihci, VMD to Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf
From: Nedim C Buyukmihci
<ncbuyukmihci@ucdavis.edu>
Subject: Cruelty to animals
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 05:10 EST
To: Andrea Nodolf
<Andrea.Nodolf@da.wi.gov>
16 February 2026
Via E-mail to Andrea.Nodolf@da.wi.gov
Andrea Nodolf
Dunn County District Attorney's Office
615 Stokke Parkway, Suite 1700
Menomonie, WI 54751
Dear Mr Nodolf:
I am once again writing concerning the Ridgeland, Wisconsin Pioneer Day, during which animals such as chickens and pigs will be treated inhumanely. As a veterinarian with many years of experience involving the care of chickens and pigs, I hope I can convince you that the planned 'chicken toss' and 'greased pig contest' in Ridgeland are inappropriate for welfare and humanitarian reasons.
Chickens and pigs are so-called prey animals. They instinctively fear being handled by those who they would consider predators, including human beings (Rushen et al 1999-12-01). This will particularly be the case with their handling and overall treatment in your activities.
Like all prey animals, survivability is enhanced by being able to avoid notice by predators. One of the means by which this is accomplished is by not displaying signs of disability where possible (Hansen et al 1993-05-01), even while enduring situations known to cause substantial pain or distress. As a result, some of the animals subjected to extreme conditions such as in your 'chicken toss' and 'greased pig contest', may not show outward signs of being in distress. One cannot assume, however, that this means they are not enduring pain (Gentle & Hill 1987) or experiencing extreme fear as indicated by tonic immobility, particularly in chickens (Hansen et al 1993-05-01; Mills & Nicol 1990-03-03).
Handling chickens by their legs or wings alone, as would be the case with inexperienced people such as the majority of people participating in the 'chicken toss', would be painful in itself (Gentle & Tilston 2000-08-01), but can also lead to injuries which exacerbate the pain. Ligaments can tear, joints may become dislocated and there may be other soft tissue damage. Some chickens may have a background which has made them more prone to osteoporosis leading to easily broken bones, causing additional pain (Hughes & Appleby 1989-05-06; King 1965-05-01; Knowles & Broom 1990-04-14; Newberry et al 1999-01-01; Simonsen & Vestergaard 1978-06-01). So-called broilers also have a higher predisposition to broken bones or painful joint dislocations (Kestin et al 1992-08-29; Riddell 1983-10-01; Shim et al 2012-01-01).
I have the same general concerns for the pigs to be subjected to the 'greased pig contest. The artificially lubricated nature of the pigs’ bodies makes them difficult to catch, increasing the number of contacts and the terror experienced by being chased. Furthermore, when finally caught, the pigs may be carried by their hind legs, something which could cause injury to them. Being suspended by their hind legs makes them prone to damage to ligaments and tendons or even dislocation of joints. Because the pigs will struggle violently to escape, this will increase the chance for injury. At the very least, because pigs are terrestrial animals and their legs have not evolved to support their bodies by hoisting, there will be considerable stress, distress or pain (Leary et al 2016-01-01).
These events also are clearly contrary to the principles of animal welfare put forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the largest professional veterinary organisation worldwide, which states that animals "should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering" (AVMA 2025-09-12).
The chickens and pigs being subjected to this extremely stressful and terrifying situation gain nothing from it. They are not enjoying themselves. Furthermore, when people derive enjoyment at such events, they do so by debasing their own character by seeking thrills through violent acts against unwilling participants. Of great importance is the implicit message sent by such use of animals. Such events 'teach' children and others, by example, that it is acceptable to use animals for any human purpose, regardless how trivial and even when such use compromises the welfare and well-being of the animals involved.
Our society desperately needs to foster a greater respect for the other animals with whom we share—not own—this planet. The planned 'chicken toss' and 'greased pig contest' are antithetical to that aspiration. I urge you to use your influence to discontinue these or any other use of animals that is unquestionably inhumane.
Nedim C Buyukmihci, V.M.D.
Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Medicine
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California-Davis
E-mail: ncbuyukmihci@ucdavis.edu
Cited information:
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