NH House Testimony

HB1013

House · 2026 sessionDemocraticSigned into law

Rules for pig-capture contests

AI

Directs the commissioner of agriculture, markets, and food to develop and publish, in consultation with farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders, best handling practices for pig-capture contests before the 2027 fair season.

relative to games wherein the object is to capture a pig.

AnimalsAgriculture

Status

Signed into law · June 24, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

141 submissions
Support 132Oppose 9Neutral 0

Argument digest · AI-generated

from 63 of 63 written submissions

HB1013 would ban games in which the object is to capture a pig, commonly known as 'pig scrambles' at fairs. Testimony is overwhelmingly in favor of the ban, with submitters describing the events as causing real fear, injury, and distress to piglets and modeling poor treatment of animals to children, while a small number of opponents defend pig scrambles as a harmless, well-regulated fair tradition that gives children a rare connection to farm animals.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.

Jacqueline CalhounSupportPlymouth, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

First of all, I am grateful that HB 1013 was introduced. It's about time we addressed such an abusive and thoughtless practice that is worsened by the fact that our children are involved. This "pig scramble" is definitely NOT a healthy or educational sport. It is teaching children that it's okay to scare and hurt animals. We know that's morally wrong, so it makes sense to prohibit such harmful stunts. Do you remember the song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young -- "Teach Your Children Well"? This folk song serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of teaching values and wisdom to our children. A great step in that direction is wholeheartedly supporting HB 1013. Thank you!

Tracy GagnonSupportEpsom, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I believe any inhumane treatment of animals should be stopped. In another time this may have been seen as "fun" but today it send the wrong message to adults and kids alike. Let's work to make NH kind to humans and animals alike. Tracy L Gagnon

Sheila RyanSupportLee, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Please abolish this arcane and abusive treatment of animals. Baby pigs, or any animal, should not be subjected to this kind of treatment for the amusement of children. Not only is it abusive to the animals but it teaches young children that animals don't matter and that empathy is optional. PLEASE, this world need more empathy, more kindness and far less examples of how to abuse others.

Nikola WhittleseySupportMerrimack, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

What a weird and barbaric practice.

Bree WatsonSupportCharlestown, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

This is common decency to pass a bill, where we are not purposely instilling fear and torturing an animal. It is not entertainment to chase, terrify, put an animal in a bag!!!! Pig scrambles are not a necessity in our culture. This is not opinion, it is fact. It is unacceptable to treat another living being like this. Please pass this bill.

Liz HerrickSupportDeering, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Live animals are not toys to be played with. Those poor piglets are traumatized and shoved into bags. Would you do that with puppies? Probably not. Piglets are no different than puppies - they are just as smart, if not smarter. Take off your biased cultural glasses and consider the cruelty of this activity. And, beyond that, this activity perpetuates the idea that this behavior is ok - that it's ok to hurt animals that aren't our beloved pets. Please, please, please ban these terrible pig scrambles.

Ronald SemmensSupportStoddard, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Tone GrochalaSupportMilford, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Well it's hard to believe that it's 2026 and we still have people who think it's great fun to physically and mentally terrorize animals, deny them water, and restrain them in plastic bags but here we are. Please pass HB 1013 so that kindness and sanity may prevail, and gentle pigs can at least have one less thing to worry about in this animal abusing world.

Alexis CompagnaSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Pig scrambles—events in which frightened pigs are chased, grabbed, and restrained for entertainment—should be made illegal due to the unnecessary harm and distress they cause to animals. These events subject pigs to intense fear, physical injury, and rough handling, often resulting in bruising, broken bones, or long-term trauma. Pigs are intelligent, sensitive animals capable of feeling pain and stress, and forcing them into chaotic environments for amusement is both cruel and outdated. There is no educational or public benefit that justifies this treatment, especially when humane, animal-free alternatives for community entertainment exist. Allowing pig scrambles normalizes animal abuse and contradicts modern animal welfare standards. We urge lawmakers to ban pig scrambles and uphold basic principles of compassion, safety, and ethical treatment of animals.

Jason YouzwakSupportDanville, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

This bill seeks to reduce unnecessary suffering inflicted on piglets during pig scrambles, where they are chased, forcibly restrained, and confined in ways that cause significant stress and fear.

Joan ZofnassSupportRye Beach, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

It is a disgrace to take piglets or other animals to be used for our enjoyment. I work with disabled and cancer patients who are able to use these pets as a way to help them to tolerate the pain and suffering they are facing with their medical disabilities. No animal should be used as a human's toy! It is so much more damaging than any one of us realizes.

Laura RichmondSupportSomersworth, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I strongly support this.

John HurleySupportClaremont, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Please for "Yes" on HB 1013. In pig scrambles, piglets are terrorized and injured. And children learn that it's OK to terrorize and injure (i.e. bully) those who are smaller or weaker. A terrible lesson to teach pur children. PS - I signed up already tp support this bill as jack Hurley. But didn't leave written testimony.

Colleen ThomasSupportLondonderry, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

We know pigs are extremely intelligent sentient beings. They deserve better than to be terrified and shoved in sacks for entertainment. Please ban this barbaric and outdated practice.

KATHY DELSESTOSupportEnfield, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Pigs should not be objects for entertainment. They are living breatihng animals that should not be abused nor neglected for entertainment purposes especially in hot or cold weather. They should be respected as a living creature on this earth.

Jon BertrandSupportRindge, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Please pass this bill. No living being should be subjected to this type of treatment. Please do the right thing. Thank you, Jon Bertrand

Andrea LavioletteSupportChicopee, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

We as human beings should be teaching care and compassion. Chasing these poor piglets around could cause injuries to them as well as the children. Please, understand that animals feel pain just as much as humans. Just because they don’t have a voice does not mean we should be able to do whatever we want them.

Jen KeefeSupportSeabrook, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I support this bill and ending the terrible practice of “pig scrambles”. Pigs are intelligent, sentient beings worthy of living in humane conditions and being well cared for.

Amanda BennettSupportbrookline, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

I am a physician and animal rescue volunteer. I have fostered dogs since 2012 and participated in other animal rescue activities. I am voting to support banning this cruel practice. Animal welfare should be prioritized and while many do farm animals for food, this form of torture is unnecessary and very cruel..

Sam PinsonneaultSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

It is cruel and honestly weird to chase piglets. I do not think this is what we should be teaching children.

Kevin SanbornSupportCumberland, RIfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Stop this disgusting practice.

Rachel RataySupportGoshen, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Pigs are living beings, not toys to be chased for someone’s amusement.

Ki SloweSupportNorth Attleboro, MAfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Stop allowing this to happen to innocent pigs.

Ashley SlapoSupportMedford, MAfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Animal abuse is unacceptable. This behavior towards animals must be prohibited. This does not represent the values of the public.

Hannah MeiselmanSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2026

Protecting animals from cruel practices aligns with ethical treatment and public values