Shame on Snapperfest

Just because the snapping turtle is sort of the ugly duckling of the species doesn't make it ok to swing them around your head like a rubber chicken to stretch out it's neck.  Many of you probably agree with me and are wondering why I would even bother to bring up such an obvious fact.  Swinging any animal like a lasso would be considered cruel, right?  Well, that is what I thought, but apparently not everyone agrees.  Snapperfest 2011 will be held today, August 20, 2011 in Ohio County, Indiana despite an attempt by PETA to put a stop to it.  The Snapperfest supporters claim they aren't doing anything wrong because they've caught the animals with their bare hands and they "don't kill them".  Whether or not that second part is true is definitely up for debate.  Some sources say that many of the turtles die not long after the event from stress related injuries.  As much as it pains me to say it, I hope they at least use those turtles for the local delicacies they treasure at it's expense.  I would prefer you don't play with your food before you eat it...  no, scratch that.  I'd prefer you don't eat turtles at all.  However, if you must, please try to get all your turtle traumatizing pleasure out of the least number of animals, ok?  You'll be glad you did when your karma comes to get you.