The Nem Thuong Pig Slaughter Festival in Vietnam is one of the worst "festivals" in the world. For the event—which takes place every Lunar New Year—pigs are tied up and paraded through the streets of Nem Thuong village surrounded by noisy crowds and frightening, loud music. Their throats are then slit while they're still fully conscious so that villagers can dip money in their blood for "good luck."

Pigs are social, playful, protective animals who bond with each other, make nests, and relax in the sun. They are known to dream, recognize their own names, learn "tricks" like sitting for a treat, lead social lives of a complexity previously observed only in primates, and have been seen showing empathy for other pigs who are unhappy or distressed. All pigs deserve long, happy lives, free from suffering and exploitation.

Torturing and killing animals have never brought anything good into the world, and culture and tradition are no excuse for cruelty. Please take a moment to send a message to officials in Vietnam and ask that they put an end to this cruel festival immediately.