The bar Brennan’s in Marina del Rey is still refusing to end its abusive turtle races and hasn’t responded to our requests for communication.

We have been urging the bar to end the races and replace them with an alternate type of activity that does not involve the use of animals. An alert, celebrity involvement, and a protest haven’t yet budged the bar’s position, so it’s time for another visit from turtle activists!

Brennan’s is a crowded venue that subjects turtles to the shouts and screams of a boisterous crowd. Dozens of rowdy customers bet on a winner while an emcee directs the event over a loudspeaker. The overwhelming setting is stressful for many humans, let alone for naturally shy and sensitive turtles. 

Reptile experts have called this environment inhumane, raising serious concerns about the short and long-term health consequences of chronic fear and stress for these sensitive animals. Meanwhile, Brennan’s has been racing turtles for entertainment and profit since 1975, publicizing the cruel event as “the world’s stupidest sport.”

Brennan’s is perpetuating the cruel and wrong idea that it's acceptable to use animals for entertainment, even when it is clearly emotionally harmful to the animals involved.

Our alert calling on Brennan’s to end the turtle races and replace them with an alternate activity that does not involve animals has generated nearly 11,700 supporters. Please make the calls, post on social media, and sign and share the alert if you haven’t already done so.

We’re excited to report that our first demonstration in March was reported widely by KTLA, Eater Los Angeles, The Independent, Los Cerritos News, Westside Current, Yo! Venice, and others. 

Finally, we recently have been joined by two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actors and a former Baywatch star in our efforts to end the turtle races. 

The races are held every other Thursday night, but this protest will be held on a Saturday to share our message with Brennan's weekend patrons. 

Please join us on Saturday, June 8, 2024, and let’s show Brennan’s and its patrons that turtle racing is animal exploitation and that it’s time to end it!

WHO: In Defense of Animals, Los Angeles for Animals, and Los Angeles Animal Defense League
WHAT: Protest against Brennan’s turtle races
WHERE: 4089 Lincoln Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm 

Check-in using the Facebook event page.

We hope to see you there!