ALCALA DE HENARES MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 28: A merry-go-round in Cervantes square, on 28 December, 2023 in Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain. This space has a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a vintage carousel, among other novelties. Other attractions include the Traditional Nativity Scene at the Casa de la Entrevista and the Great Monumental Nativity Scene at the Antigua Fabrica Gal. (Photo By Jesus Hellin/Europa Press via Getty Images)
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is standing by all animals, even the fake ones!
On February 6, PETA issued a letter to a Kansas company that makes fiberglass animals for merry-go-rounds, per TMZ. In about six paragraphs, the organization pleaded with Chance Rides to consider halting the production and sale of the fake animals.
PETA’s president, Ingrid Newkirk, wrote the letter “on behalf” of the organization’s nine million members.
“Would you please end the manufacture and sale of animal-themed carousels and instead exclusively produce figures in the shape of vehicles, such as cars, unicycles, tractors, airplanes, rockets, and bulldozers, that children are drawn to or even more whimsical designs, like shooting stars, rainbows, or brooms?” the correspondence reads.
The organization recognizes, in the letter, that Chance Rides and animal-themed carousels aren’t encouraging exploitation on purpose. But it’s happening with this type of entertainment.
“Animals used for rides and other forms of entertainment—including camels, horses, elephants, and dolphins—are confined and in servitude, never free to pursue their own lives and interests. They’re also sometimes beaten, tormented, and even slaughtered when their bodies wear out.”
All in all, the organization says that animals enjoy life as much as humans, from being affectionate and playful to forming bonds with their offspring. Because of that, PETA believes they “crave freedom from oppression.” And, in the eyes of advocates, the animal-themed carousels are part of the problem.
“Animal-themed carousel sets reinforce the notion that these sentient beings are simply here for our entertainment, rather than individuals with the same capacity to experience fear, pain, joy, and love as any of us.”
PETA says that if Chance Rides decided to follow through with their suggestion, it’d send “two powerful messages.”
“Animals are to be respected, not exploited, and companies can and should evolve to keep up with the times.”
Meanwhile, over at the San Antonio Zoo, Valentine’s Day is getting a remix. Folks can shake off any bitterness against an ex-partner. For a lil’ change, people can name a cockroach after an ex and feed it to another animal.
