CRUELTY FREE

The allegations of animal cruelty that have dogged (no pun intended) Marilyn Manson on the band’s current tour have been uniformly unverified--which hasn’t stopped protests and banning of the shock-rock troupe. But at least one organization finally took the step of asking the band directly about the matter.

After receiving many calls from animal lovers concerned about the reports, Joey Penello of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to Manson manager Tony Ciulla, who promptly faxed a reply that mollified Penello.

“Since the tour began on Oct. 3, 1996, in no way have Marilyn Manson performed, participated in or encouraged any acts of cruelty to animals nor have animals been used in any portion of their show,” Ciulla wrote, attaching a list of venue operators and law enforcement personnel who could back up the claim.

Penello says he’s satisfied with the “cruelty-free pledge,” though he points out that the statement “does not address the band’s past practices.”