Catholic saint statues in Mass. raise taxpayer concerns. PETA has a solution

Two large Catholic saint statues planned for display outside a new public safety headquarters in Quincy are part of a legal dispute, as the government building display could cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.

But that cost could soon be partially covered by the high-profile and polarizing animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

“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,” Sarah McFarlane, Faith Outreach Coordinator of PETA LAMBS, wrote to Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch.

Instead, PETA’s Christian outreach division wants the statues moved to another location and to include the statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved patron saint o