Controversy Over Quincy’s Catholic Statues Prompts PETA Offer: We’ll be A Patron—If You Add Another Saint!

For Immediate Release:
October 31, 2025

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

With the city of Quincy embroiled in a legal dispute over plans to place statues of the patron saints of police and firefighters, St. Michael and St. Florian, outside the city’s new public safety headquarters, PETA’s faith outreach division, PETA LAMBS (“Least Among My Brothers and Sisters” from Matthew 25:40), sent a letter today to Mayor Thomas P. Koch, offering to help cover some of the costs of installing the statues in a suitable location—provided that the city agrees to add a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

In the letter, PETA LAMBS points out that the addition would be a moving tribute to both the animals of Quincy and those who rescue, shelter, and care for them. The statue would also serve as a daily reminder to show compassion to animals—by adopting instead of buying animals from breeders or pet stores, choosing cruelty-free products, and eating delicious vegan foods that leave animals in peace.

“Celebrating St. Francis’ universal message of mercy would encourage everyone to spare a thought for all of the wonderful animals who deserve our respect, as well as those who come to their aid,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “PETA is encouraging Mayor Koch to round out the city’s tribute with a powerful reminder to treat all living beings with kindness.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Mayor Koch follows.

October 31, 2025

The Honorable Thomas P. Koch

Mayor of Quincy

Dear Mayor Koch:

I’m writing on behalf of LAMBS, the Christian outreach division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 10.4 million members and supporters worldwide, including 135,000 in Massachusetts—to share an idea we believe reflects both the compassionate spirit of Quincy and the values of the broader community. We understand that many in the community have voiced concerns about placing statues of St. Michael and St. Florian in front of the new police headquarters. In light of this, PETA would be glad to help cover the costs of these statues if they are moved to another meaningful public space—perhaps near City Hall—and provided that the display also includes a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved patron saint of animals. This addition would beautifully round out the tribute, celebrating the guardianship and service of St. Michael and St. Florian, alongside the compassion and mercy embodied by St. Francis.

All animals—including dogs, cats, fish, cows, pigs, and chickens—are part of God’s perfect creation. He gave them thoughts, emotions, and the capacity to feel joy and suffering. Adding a statue of St. Francis would send a message of kindness toward all living, feeling beings and speak to the universal virtues of compassion and stewardship. It would honor not only the animals of Quincy but also the people who rescue, shelter, and care for them every day. The statue would also serve as a reminder for all of us to follow St. Francis’ example by showing mercy to animals in our daily lives—by adopting instead of buying animal companions, choosing cruelty-free products, eating plant-based foods, and supporting local animal shelters and sanctuaries.

We would be honored to work with your office to help design and install the statue so that the final display reflects the values of the Quincy community and stands as a symbol of compassion and moral unity—one that transcends religion and reminds everyone, regardless of faith, of our shared responsibility to treat all living beings with kindness and respect. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

In Christ,

Sarah McFarlane, M.A.

Faith Outreach Coordinator, PETA LAMBS