Teton County commissioners vote to reopen contract for pig wrestling after public outcry
November 10, 2025 | Teton County, Wyoming
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Teton County commissioners voted 4-0 on Nov. 10 to reconsider a contract with MKO Genetics to provide pigs for a pig-wrestling event at the 2026 Teton County Fair and scheduled substantive debate and public comment for Nov. 18.
The motion to reopen the item was made by Commissioner Probst and seconded by Commissioner Karlman. Acting Chair (name not specified) said the today's vote would only reopen the prior decision; the board will hear the merits of the event and accept additional public comment at the November 18 meeting.
The reopening followed more than 20 minutes of public comment, primarily opposing the return of pig wrestling. Dr. Heather Carlton, a local veterinarian, told commissioners she hoped they would "reconsider their vote on reinstating pig wrestling at the county fairgrounds" because the event "is unnecessary and cruel to the animals involved" and could expose the county and fair board to legal challenges under Wyoming's anti-cruelty laws. "To be clear, nothing good happens to a pig during pig wrestling," Carlton said.
Several other local residents echoed that position. Valerie Conger called pig wrestling "immoral, unethical, and cruel," arguing that pigs deserve the same protections people afford to companion animals. Amy Moore cited what she described as Wyoming's animal-cruelty statute, pointing to provisions she identified as sections 2, 4 and 8 and saying the statute would make pig wrestling "clearly" prohibited if animals are harmed or if prohibited acts are permitted on county property. Jerry Schendel warned of legal and reputational risks, saying a widely shared injury or death could prompt lawsuits and negative publicity that would affect tourism.
Not all comments were framed from the same perspective; Phil Hartle, identifying himself as a hunter, urged the board to consider ethical treatment of animals and said pigs demonstrate problem-solving abilities and memory comparable to young children. Multiple commenters suggested alternatives for fair entertainment, including dog agility contests and obstacle-course events.
No substantive policy decision on the merits of pig wrestling was made Nov. 10. The board's vote simply re-opened the previously decided item; the county will hear the item on Nov. 18, at which time commissioners expect to receive additional public comment and staff presentations. Commissioner Carmen noted the Teton County Fair Board meets Nov. 17 and published engagement opportunities available through local media and the fair board.
The transcript and public comment record show repeated concerns about animal welfare, legal exposure under state statute and community values; commissioners framed the Nov. 18 meeting as the occasion for a fuller record and the board's substantive decision.
The motion to reopen the item was made by Commissioner Probst and seconded by Commissioner Karlman. Acting Chair (name not specified) said the today's vote would only reopen the prior decision; the board will hear the merits of the event and accept additional public comment at the November 18 meeting.
The reopening followed more than 20 minutes of public comment, primarily opposing the return of pig wrestling. Dr. Heather Carlton, a local veterinarian, told commissioners she hoped they would "reconsider their vote on reinstating pig wrestling at the county fairgrounds" because the event "is unnecessary and cruel to the animals involved" and could expose the county and fair board to legal challenges under Wyoming's anti-cruelty laws. "To be clear, nothing good happens to a pig during pig wrestling," Carlton said.
Several other local residents echoed that position. Valerie Conger called pig wrestling "immoral, unethical, and cruel," arguing that pigs deserve the same protections people afford to companion animals. Amy Moore cited what she described as Wyoming's animal-cruelty statute, pointing to provisions she identified as sections 2, 4 and 8 and saying the statute would make pig wrestling "clearly" prohibited if animals are harmed or if prohibited acts are permitted on county property. Jerry Schendel warned of legal and reputational risks, saying a widely shared injury or death could prompt lawsuits and negative publicity that would affect tourism.
Not all comments were framed from the same perspective; Phil Hartle, identifying himself as a hunter, urged the board to consider ethical treatment of animals and said pigs demonstrate problem-solving abilities and memory comparable to young children. Multiple commenters suggested alternatives for fair entertainment, including dog agility contests and obstacle-course events.
No substantive policy decision on the merits of pig wrestling was made Nov. 10. The board's vote simply re-opened the previously decided item; the county will hear the item on Nov. 18, at which time commissioners expect to receive additional public comment and staff presentations. Commissioner Carmen noted the Teton County Fair Board meets Nov. 17 and published engagement opportunities available through local media and the fair board.
The transcript and public comment record show repeated concerns about animal welfare, legal exposure under state statute and community values; commissioners framed the Nov. 18 meeting as the occasion for a fuller record and the board's substantive decision.
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