In a surprising move this week, PETA has stepped up its efforts to defend animals, even those crafted from fiberglass.
The animal rights group, known for its unwavering dedication, has set its sights on the ethics of amusement park rides. PETA is urging the nation’s largest manufacturer of such attractions to halt the production of animal-themed carousels.
Their target? Aaron Landrum, the CEO and president of Chance Rides, located in Kansas.
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PETA argues that the use of animal designs on merry-go-rounds inadvertently glorifies the exploitation of these creatures, which possess complex emotions and social bonds.
According to PETA, removing animal-themed amusement rides would strike a significant blow against industries that exploit live animals for entertainment, such as camel rides and dolphin shows. These animals, PETA asserts, often endure mistreatment and suffer in deplorable conditions.
If PETA has its way, scenes like these will become relics of the past.
“Animal-themed carousels unintentionally endorse the exploitation of sentient beings,” the organization states in a letter to Chance Rides. “Animals used for rides and other forms of entertainment—including camels, horses, elephants, and dolphins—are kept in servitude, deprived of freedom, and subjected to abuse.”
Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA, stressed the importance of reimagining carousel designs to reflect a more compassionate stance toward animals. She suggested alternative designs such as cars, rockets, or whimsical objects like shooting stars and rainbows.
“All animals are sentient beings capable of thought, feeling, affection, playfulness, and social bonds,” Newkirk emphasized. “They deserve freedom from exploitation.”
Highlighting past advocacy successes, Newkirk referenced Nabisco’s decision to alter the design of its Barnum’s Animal Crackers boxes in 2018 and Trader Joe’s removal of depictions of animals performing tricks from its products.
Chance Rides, based in Wichita, specializes in carousels featuring predominantly “fantasy horses.” Newkirk stressed the importance of instilling empathy and respect for all living beings, particularly in children.
“Children learn through play, and teaching them to have respect and compassion for all living beings can contribute to a more just and compassionate world,” Newkirk stated in a press release. “PETA urges Chance Rides and all carousel manufacturers to abandon outdated animal-themed rides and embrace designs that stimulate children’s imaginations and showcase human creativity.”
So, the question remains—should animals continue to adorn carousels?
