COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The controversial animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals protested naked in downtown Columbia Thursday afternoon.
PETA spokesman Adam Miller announced Wednesday, two nude women would shower together on a sidewalk at the intersection of Harden and Greene streets behind a banner urging people not to eat meat.
The group says beef production requires a large amount of water and wants people to know that going vegan would conserve water and help the environment.
Columbia police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said the department was aware of the planned protest and officers were on the scene keeping a close eye on things.
The protest started at noon near the Five Points fountain. It's the latest event in a string of protests by PETA across South Carolina in recent years.
Last year PETA protested the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus visit to Columbia claiming the company abuses its elephants. The group wanted to protest in front of the Statehouse, but Columbia City Council rejected PETA's request for a permit.
In 2008, PETA asked the City of Charleston to ban horse-drawn carriages in the city's historical district.
WACH Fox News asked viewers Wednesday whether we should cover the event or not. A majority said they wanted to see coverage because it's a newsworthy event. Others said it's just a publicity stunt that doesn't need a larger voice. What do you think? Vote in our poll below and leave a comment.
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