This is a photo of the Easton’s Beach merry-go-round. (WLNE)
NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — PETA has proposed that the city of Newport help fund the restoration of Easton Beach’s carousel if it chooses to use non-animal components.
In a letter to Von Mayor Zaikam Rexford Kamsibo, the group said more “imaginative” designs could be used, including cars, unicycles, tractors, airplanes, rockets, bulldozers, shooting stars, rainbows and brooms. .
The mayor’s office announced that it has ordered city officials to search for a potential site where the merry-go-round can be relocated and restored.
PETA said the use of horses in merry-go-rounds is “outdated” and “unintentionally normalizes animal exploitation.”
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said, “Horses are loving and loyal humans, not living taxis.Updating the old-fashioned merry-go-round design will encourage impressionable young people to recognize all intelligent life.” “It helps emphasize that our bodies deserve our respect.” “PETA is keen to help Newport City Council restore the Eastons Beach Carousel with modern arrangements that will inspire children’s imaginations and help create a kinder world for all animals. ”
In response, Mayor Kamsiboravong said the restoration was a “community decision” and welcomed all opinions.
You can read the mayor’s full statement below.
At this time, we have asked the administration to determine the best next steps for Newport’s cherished merry-go-round. This requires quite a bit of logistics.
Ultimately, this will be a community decision, and we welcome all input from the community to weigh in on that discussion.
At the end of the day, my job is to make sure Newporters have the final say on how best to bring back this part of our community’s history.
