A Sunshine Coast surf club is standing by plans to hold a pig racing fundraiser, saying the animals will not be forced to run.
Kawana Surf Club will host the event on November 7, with six piglets expected to take part in five races run by Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs.
A Kawana Surf Club spokesperson said the “family fundraising day” was returning after being held three years ago.
“When we held it three years ago, we received tremendous support from our members and locals, with families coming together and children especially excited to see the piglets running around in their pen,” they said.
“The focus is on creating a fun, welcoming day where families can spend time together and support their local surf club. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Kawana Surf Life Saving Club.”
The club also provided details about how the races would operate.
“While the activities are called ‘races’, the six piglets are simply moving around a gated enclosure at their own pace, making their way over small hay bales and little ramps towards the finish line and a bowl of milk.
“They are not forced to run or made to go faster. Five races are planned, with long breaks between each one to give the piglets time to rest.”
The event has prompted criticism on social media and a Change.org petition organised by Francesca Marren calling for it to be cancelled.
The petition describes the use of young pigs for entertainment as ethically questionable and claims such events can cause stress to the animals.
“The pig racing event is not just a harmless pastime. Pigs are intelligent and sensitive animals, much like dogs and even humans,” it states.
“Subjecting them to stressful situations for mere entertainment purposes is ethically questionable and runs contrary to values of kindness and empathy that we should be adopting in our community.”
Reaction on Kawana Surf Club’s Facebook page has also been divided: the post has attracted roughly as many likes as dislikes.
The surf club said it respected the concerns being raised.
“We have worked with Kev from Noah’s Thoroughbred Pigs previously and have obtained the relevant permits to run the event. We take animal welfare seriously and respect that some people may have concerns,” they said.
“We understand and value their views; however, our Supporters Club also celebrates Melbourne Cup Day and other race days throughout the year, and we recognise that people hold different views about these activities too.”
Sunshine Coast Council has confirmed it issued a temporary event permit for the fundraiser at Cooper’s Lookout, Buddina.
A council spokesperson outlined the conditions attached to the permit.
“The permit contains conditions requiring the event organiser to obtain all necessary approvals, implement appropriate animal welfare and management measures, complete relevant risk assessments, and ensure the site is cleaned and restored following the event,” they said.
Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs owner Kev Kiley said animal welfare was the first consideration for staff running the events.
“The pigs are obviously our main priority in doing these jobs,” he told SCN.
“Every employee is trained that the very first priority is shade and water for the pigs before they even come out of the trailer.
“They are handled very minimally and are kept in a safe, fenced area. Common sense says still being allowed to do this after 25 years means that welfare measures are being implemented.”
Mr Kiley described the races as an obstacle course in which the pigs were encouraged towards a food reward.
“Pigs love milk. Pigs run (more like trot) an obstacle course with the finish line being a dish of milk at the end. Prior to each race we auction each pig and sell sweep tickets giving everyone a chance to be involved in the day.”
Mr Kiley said Noah’s had operated pig racing events for 25 years across Australia and claimed the business had helped raise more than $20m for charities during that time.
“We travel from Cairns in North to Hobart in the south,” he said.
“It’s raised money for the Royal Flying Doctors, Cancer Council, LifeFlight, Westpac Rescue Helicopters, local football clubs, and so many more.”
He said the business had also staged events at several Sunshine Coast venues, including Coolum State School, Mooloola Valley Country Club and Caloundra Sharks Football Club.
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Mr Kiley invited people concerned about the races to see an event for themselves.
The surf club said it was looking forward to holding the fundraiser despite the differing views.
“We look forward to bringing our community together for an enjoyable family day out while raising funds for local surf lifesaving.”
