Norfolk, Va. ? People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is reconsidering a campaign comparing images of animal abuse with those of slavery after complaints from civil rights groups and others.

The animal rights group’s “Animal Liberation” campaign included 12 panels juxtaposing pictures of black people in chains with shackled elephants and other provocative images.

The Norfolk-based group wrapped up the first leg of the tour in Washington on Thursday, visiting 17 cities before deciding to put the tour on hold.

“We’re not continuing right now while we evaluate,” said Dawn Carr, a PETA spokeswoman.

One panel showed a black civil rights protester being beaten at a lunch counter beside a photo of a seal being bludgeoned.

Controversy erupted Aug. 8, when the display was in New Haven, Conn.