Last week, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) posted a press release on their site that announced that they had sent a letter to the Mayor of Ashland, Ray Walacavage, asking permission to erect a cow sculpture inscribed with the words “Respect and Honor all Mothers".
According to the press release and letter, "The sculpture would pay tribute to all the nonhuman mothers who also nurture their babies—especially cows used in the dairy industry, who form close bonds with their calves and produce milk for them, not humans, to drink."
“All mothers are loving and protective of their young—and this certainly includes mother cows whose calves are taken away from them, something that causes them great distress,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is hoping that Ashland will honor the universal devotion of mothers by adding a sculpture of a mother cow to its historic memorial.”
Skook News reached out to the borough of Ashland and learned that as of May 14, 2018, the borough and Mayor have not received the letter. Mayor Walacavage was not available for comment.
PETA also did not return our call for comment.
The Mother's Memorial was erected in 1938 and is based off the painting the "Whistler's Mother".
Members felt that such a memorial would represent the very foundation of the Ashland Boys Association organization, because their motto "Come on home" and home evoked thoughts of one's mother.
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| Statue that PETA is requesting to erect |