PETA Wants Amusement Parks To Quit Horsing Around With Animal-Themed Carousels

Could this be a bit of a stretch?

Animal rights organization PETA is calling on a theme park in Kansas to stop producing and selling animal-themed carousels.

In a letter from PETA’s President Ingrid Newkirk, the organization is asking Chance Rides to stop engaging in the celebration of animal exploitation by manufacturing themed merry-go-rounds.

“Children learn through play, and teaching them to have respect and compassion for all living, feeling beings can help create a more just and merciful world,” Newkirk said. “PETA urges Chance Rides and all other carousel manufacturers to hit the brakes on old-fashioned animal-themed rides and embrace designs that engage children’s imagination and showcase human talent.”

The group has argued several cases as to why animal-themed activities add to the conversation of animal abuse, like using their likeness for amusement and transportation. According to Newkirk, differently shaped carousel objects “engage children’s imagination” and “showcase human talent.”

In a letter to Chance Rides President and CEO Aaron Landrum, PETA argues that other companies are on board as times change. In 2018, snack conglomerate Nabisco replaced the design of caged animals found on Barnum’s Animals Crackers box, and Trader Joe’s switched packaging on products that housed elephants performing.

“Millions of people worldwide are calling for an end to the exploitation of animals in entertainment, including using horses, camels, and others as if they were living taxis,” Newkirk wrote.

“Would you kindly pledge to stop promoting this abuse by no longer producing carousel figures in animal forms? Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.”

PETA is holding everyone accountable for the way animals are treated. They are expected to launch an intense commercial during the 2024 Super Bowl. Featuring The Sopranos star and animal activist Edie Falco, the ad is intended to make fans reconsider eating cheese with their nachos. While making a meal in her kitchen, the actress is surprised by two mean-looking men who burst into her home to take the cheese.