Bizarre festival game in Canada

The bizarre event sees contestants enter a middy pen where they must catch greased pigs and toss them into a barrel in front of huge crowds.

It's not an easy task - as shown by the photos - and both man and beast finish the contest caked head-too, or hoof, in mud.

The festival is now in its 37th year and takes place in Sainte-Perpétue, which is 150km northeast of Montreal.

As well as the pig race, there is an event which sees participants attempt to place plastic rings around boars’ necks.

While plenty of people seem to enjoy watching and taking part, the pig race has been slammed by animal rights activists , who say the game is cruel.

Montreal SPCA spokesperson Anita Kapuscinska told The Montreal Gazette: 'We would never allow dogs to be subject to this sort of activity. 

'Yet, we allow pigs, who are even more sensitive and more intelligent than dogs, and they’re being used in this matter, simply for entertainment.'

While no injuries to pigs have been reported at the event, Kapuscinska said that doesn't mean some animals haven't been hurt over the years. 

The international animal rights group PETA has also spoken out against the festival, claiming 'tradition is no excuse for cruelty'.

But festival worker Nancy Morin hit back at the comments, telling the newspaper that the animals are given food and water - and a veterinarian was present during the races involving pigs.

(dailymail.co.uk)