Tiger Photo Ops, Exploitative Magic Act Banned From Minnesota Bar

January 2005

PETA received calls of concern from Brainerd, Minnesota-area residents about an animal display frequently taken to a noisy, crowded, smoke-filled local bar called The Rail. Complainants reported that intoxicated patrons were allowed to hold tiger cubs for photos and that a dove used in the exhibitor’s magic act repeatedly flew into the wall. We immediately wrote to the county health department to request an investigation into whether the presence of the animals in the bar violated health codes and heard back that health officials had mandated that the bar ban this and any other animal display from the establishment.