This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Should The MBTA Allow PETA's 'Snakes On A Train' Campaign?

Rubber snakes could soon be hanging off the MBTA's metal poles temporarily if PETA has their way, but should the MBTA allow this kind of expression?

"Reptiles are nailed to trees or posts and skinned alive" in order to make shoes and accessories, according to People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals, and they're not happy about it.  

The organization has asked the MBTA for permission to mount an awareness campaign wherein "realistic-looking rubber snakes [are] wrapped around subway poles and handles," and there is "a slogan on the windows that reads, 'Snakes Make Your Skin Crawl? Shed All Scaly Belts and Bags.'"  

PETA has also said that if the MBTA denies their request, "it will be no surprise if local members take it upon themselves to add rubber reptiles to the rails."

Find out what's happening in South Endwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A statement from MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo on UniversalHub says, "This morning, we referred PETA to the T's advertising contractor, Titan 360, to get rates for their ad campaign. But the MBTA has notified PETA that one proposed element of their campaign will not be approved. In the interest of customers' safety and comfort, the MBTA does not permit advertisers to hang objects from the ceilings and handrails of subway cars."  

How do you feel about the MBTA's decision?  Is hanging the snakes free speech that should be allowed, a money-making opportunity they're missing out on, or something that should be rejected outright?  Vote in our poll and leave a comment with your thoughts

Find out what's happening in South Endwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from South End