---

 [ ANIMAL WATCH ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=361)

#  Controversy Over Turtle Races at Brennan's Bar Intensifies Amid Animal Welfare Concerns

Written by CityWatch.

 ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept-2024/074f.jpg)

September 12 2024

<a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_print"></a>[](https://www.addtoany.com/share)

 [Comments](#disqus_thread)

ANIMAL WATCH - A long-standing tradition at Brennan’s Bar in Los Angeles has recently drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups, reptile experts, and even celebrities, including stars from *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* and *Baywatch*. The bar’s weekly turtle races, which were once held twice a month, are facing opposition due to concerns over animal exploitation and the health of the turtles involved.

Animal rights organizations, including In Defense of Animals, have ramped up efforts to end the races, condemning the increase in their frequency despite repeated pledges by the bar to reduce them. In a statement, Brennan’s manager Sean Phagan claimed that the bar had worked with veterinarians and animal welfare groups to reduce the number of races when the new owners, Tony Yarow and the Artisanal Brewers Collective, purchased the bar in 2016. At that time, they had reportedly promised "reduced racing hours.

However, the weekly races have continued, with crowds cheering as turtles race in a chaotic environment. Reptile experts argue that this setting causes severe stress for the turtles, which can have lasting health effects. Nicholas Geist, a professor of biology at Sonoma State University, has described the races as "inhumane," noting that turtles exposed to such noisy and overwhelming environments experience heightened levels of stress hormones, which can harm their immune systems and overall.

Animal rights advocates have mobilized over 12,000 supporters to contact Brennan’s and its owners, urging them to replace the turtle races with more humane entertainment options such as trivia nights, karaoke, or comedy shows. Brittany Michelson, founder of the Desert Oasis Turtle &amp; Tortoise Sanctuary and campaign specialist at In Defense of Animals, has been at the forefront of these efforts. “The fact that Brennan’s has added more animal exploitation to their schedule is unacceptable,” Michelson said, calling for an end to the races.

![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Sept-2024/074f1.jpg)

Public figures have also spoken out against the practice. Actress and animal rights activist Alexandra Paul emphasized the need for Brennan’s to embrace more compassionate forms of entertainment, while *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* actor Greg Cipes called the races a “harmful ‘tradition’” that should be replaced with non-animal activities​.

As the debate intensifies, the future of Brennan’s turtle races remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the outcry against the exploitation of animals for entertainment is growing louder, with both experts and advocates pushing for change. Whether Brennan's will heed these calls and evolve beyond its controversial tradition is a decision that could shape the bar’s legacy moving forward.

\###

[![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/ME%20DENTAL%20SPA/me%20dental%202026%20final.jpg)](http://medentalspa.com/)

 ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/banners/signup-for-cw.png)

## Get The News In Your Email Inbox Mondays &amp; Thursdays

 Name

 [ ![LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/LADWP/dwp%20level%20pay%205-7-25.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/82 "LA DWP #2 (Pay Your Bill Help)")

 [ ![Home - HHR Rent is too High - SB-2](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/HHR/AHF-rent-too-high.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/component/banners/click/104 "Home - HHR Rent is too High - SB-2")

 ---

##  Featured CityWatch Stories

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/fd/064h-fdb0b507.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29355:remembering-ken-draper-citywatch-and-transparency-are-his-legacy&catid=12)

### [Remembering Ken Draper: CityWatch and Transparency Are his Legacy](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29355:remembering-ken-draper-citywatch-and-transparency-are-his-legacy&catid=12)

LA WATCHDOG - Ken Draper, the editor and publisher of CityWatch for more than 20 years, passed away on August 8, 2022…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/0f/061a-0f1ada2f.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33148:brace-yourself-for-a-worse-housing-crisis&catid=398)

### [Brace Yourself For A Worse Housing Crisis](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33148:brace-yourself-for-a-worse-housing-crisis&catid=398)

PLANNING WATCH - The California State Legislature will soon vote on the following draft legislation. Please carefully…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/54/064j-54f0ecbd.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33204:be-prepared-to-protect-our-democracy-in-november-from-a-trumpian-plot&catid=9)

### [Be Prepared to Protect Our Democracy in November From a Trumpian Plot](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33204:be-prepared-to-protect-our-democracy-in-november-from-a-trumpian-plot&catid=9)

BE AWARE - Back in the days when conservatives were so hungry for media platforms that they’d come on progressive shows…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/ab/063e-ab3b1ba1.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33174:nithya-raman-loses-the-homelessness-gavel-her-record-explains-why&catid=396)

### [Nithya Raman Loses the Homelessness Gavel — Her Record Explains Why](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33174:nithya-raman-loses-the-homelessness-gavel-her-record-explains-why&catid=396)

THE BOTTOM LINE - Raman wants Los Angeles voters to promote her to mayor. Before handing her the keys to City Hall, v…

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/media/yootheme/cache/75/064a-75d5dbb3.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33199:your-boss-owns-your-workday-not-your-brain&catid=425)

### [Your Boss Owns Your Workday—Not Your Brain](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33199:your-boss-owns-your-workday-not-your-brain&catid=425)

THE NEURAL WORKPLACE - California must protect workers before workplace surveillance crosses the final frontier: the hu…

---

##  [ ANIMAL WATCH ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/July-2026/053c.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32984:girl-10-suffers-catastrophic-injuries-in-northern-california-dog-attack&catid=361)### [Girl, 10, Suffers Catastrophic Injuries In Northern California Dog Attack](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32984:girl-10-suffers-catastrophic-injuries-in-northern-california-dog-attack&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/051l.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32939:can-14-million-save-all-the-pit-bulls-and-other-animals-at-l-a-animal-services-shelters-under-best-friends-plan&catid=361)### [Can $14 Million Save All the Pit Bulls and Other Animals at L.A. Animal Services Shelters Under Best Friends’ Plan?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32939:can-14-million-save-all-the-pit-bulls-and-other-animals-at-l-a-animal-services-shelters-under-best-friends-plan&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/049e2.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32913:can-14-million-help-solve-las-animal-shelter-crisis-who-will-focus-on-public-safety-and-animal-control&catid=361)### [Can $14 Million Help Solve LA's Animal Shelter Crisis? Who Will Focus on Public Safety and Animal Control?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32913:can-14-million-help-solve-las-animal-shelter-crisis-who-will-focus-on-public-safety-and-animal-control&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/047a.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32879:whats-really-behind-the-animal-shelter-crisis&catid=361)### [What’s Really Behind the Animal Shelter Crisis?](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32879:whats-really-behind-the-animal-shelter-crisis&catid=361)

 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/June-2026/043g.jpg) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32807:pit-bull-viciously-kills-man-waiting-for-bus-near-hollywood-hall-of-fame&catid=361)### [Dog Attack Turns Deadly: Man Stabbed to Death After Defending Himself](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32807:pit-bull-viciously-kills-man-waiting-for-bus-near-hollywood-hall-of-fame&catid=361)
<div data-id="1" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-emailform eb-1 eboxContentLocker"
	data-options='{"trigger":"onPageLoad","trigger_selector":"","delay":3000,"early_trigger":true,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":1,"reverse_scroll_close":true,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":10000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"slideInDown","animation_close":"fadeOutDown","animation_duration":400,"disable_page_scroll":true,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #1 - Global Email Signup Form","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog eb-formVer" role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog1" aria-label="dialog1">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<form action="https://citywatchla.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=34d69f33624fd058ee9b56516&amp;id=4bfa422f51&amp;f_id=00d6c2e1f0" class="eb" method="post" id="mcform-1" name="mcform-1" target="_blank">
			<div class="eb-form-header"><p><img src="/images/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png" alt="be a city watcher" width="350" height="97" loading="lazy" data-path="local-images:/2023/06/be-a-city-watcher.png"></p>
<p>Sign up to receive our special e-news blasts on Monday and Thursday evenings!</p></div>
	
					<div class="eb-field-row">

			
			
			
			<input class="eb-input" type="email" name="EMAIL"  placeholder="Email address"  id="EMAIL" value="" required>

			
		</div>
										
	<div class="eb-footer">
    	<button class="eb-btn" type="submit" name="subscribe" style="background-color:rgba(93, 183, 93, 1);color:rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)">
    		Sign up    	</button>
    </div>
</form>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>
<div data-id="3" 
	class="eb-inst eb-hide eb-yesno eb-3 "
	data-options='{"trigger":"onScrollDepth","trigger_selector":"","delay":0,"early_trigger":false,"scroll_depth":"percentage","scroll_depth_value":80,"firing_frequency":2,"reverse_scroll_close":false,"threshold":0,"close_out_viewport":false,"exit_timer":1000,"idle_time":1000,"close_on_esc":false,"animation_open":"fadeInUp","animation_close":"fadeOut","animation_duration":300,"disable_page_scroll":false,"test_mode":false,"debug":false,"ga_tracking":true,"ga_tracking_id":"G-P16BQ7X1SW","ga_tracking_event_category":"EngageBox","ga_tracking_event_label":"Box #3 - Yes \/ No Donation Popup Box","auto_focus":false}'
	data-type='popup'
	>

	<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-outside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>
	<div class="eb-dialog " role="dialog" aria-modal="true" id="dialog3" aria-label="dialog3">
		
		<button type="button" data-ebox-cmd="close" class="eb-close placement-inside" aria-label="Close">
	<img alt="close popup button" />
	<span aria-hidden="true">&times;</span>
</button>	
		<div class="eb-container">
						<div class="eb-content">
				
<div class="ebox-yes-no">
	<div class="ebox-yn-text">
		
		
		<div class="ebox-yn-headline" style="font-size:22px;color:#888888">
			<p>If you only give once a month, would you consider giving to CityWatch?</p>
<p>Your support fuels our mission to promote and facilitate civic engagement and neighborhood empowerment, and to hold area government and its politicians accountable.</p>
<p>Would you like to help? Even if you can only give $5, it will make a difference.</p>		</div>
			</div>
	
	<div class="ebox-ys-buttons" style="font-size: 16px;">
		
<a
					data-ebox-prevent="0"
		data-ebox-cmd="close"
				target="_self"
		href="https://www.citywatchla.com/donate"
		rel="noopener"
	
	
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#2ec664;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Yes
	</a>
<a
	
	
			data-ebox-cmd="close"
		href="#"
	
	
	class="ebox-ys-btn"
	style="background-color:#ef2345;color:#ffffff;min-width:100px">
	Not Right Now
	</a>	</div>

	</div>			</div>
		</div>
	</div>	
</div>