PETA loses appeal in Bandera Wranglers case

Texas’ Fourth Court of Appeals upheld a 2020 judgement from the 198th District Court that the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and its coplaintiff were not eligible to make their allegations against the Bandera Wranglers.

“PETA was eager to prove in court that chasing and dragging pigs until they’re injured and bleeding is cruel to the animals and could spark the next zoonotic disease outbreak, but the Texas courts have decided that the group and its coplaintiff were ineligible to sue, despite the well-established precedent set in federal and other state courts throughout the country,” said PETA Foundation General Counsel Jared Goodman.”

PETA alleged the Bandera Wranglers’ annual hog catch event inflicts cruelty on animals and presented a health risk to the community.

In her opinion, Justice Lori I. Valenzuela wrote, “We overrule appellants’ issues and affirm the judgement of the trial court dismissing appellants’ claims for lack of standing.”

“The Bandera Wranglers maintain confident that PETA’s position was so extreme and unfactual that their claim or any appeal would not be upheld in a court of law,” said Bandera Wranglers VP Linda Wilder. “We are extremely pleased that the judicial system has upheld our position.”

The nonprofit also argued the hog catch impaired their mission to protect animals.

The co-plaintiff, Kim Waples, alleged she had a “present, genuine fear” the hog catch would result in a zoonotic disease outbreak that we cause her or her husband damages resulting in reduced work opportunities.

The opinion memorandum notes Waples “has never lived in Bandera and never participated in the hog catch.”

Justice Valenzuela wrote that Waples could not establish a concrete injury.

“As PETA weighs its options moving forward, the group invites anyone who fell ill after attending one of these cruel spectacles to contact it immediately,” Goodman said. The Bandera Wranglers’ HAM Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, March 18, at Mansfield Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies commence at 11 a.m.

Organizers say the event is still looking for sponsors for this year’s event.

“The purpose for the money raised is to continue the HAM Rodeo each year,” said organizer Toni Kunz. “In 2022, we had great attendance and after paying for 2022 HAM Rodeo and Bandera Wrangler operational fees, we were able to donate to the local Bandera County Boys & Girls Club, American Legion, Silver Sage Senior Pet Food fund, to local efforts benefiting citizens in need, and to other local benefit & charity drives in our area during the year. If you are interested in any other details, please let us know.”

For more information, email bandera.wranglers@gmail.com