GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Gatlinburg Police Department cited a group of protestors with the animal rights group PETA on Saturday for an "unpermitted sandwich board sign and an unpermitted ornate object," according to a spokesperson for the city.

The citations come soon after PETA announced it would be protesting the Three Bears General Store, which is home to twin bears, River and Daisy. The group has been working for years to get bears from the store released and is now calling for the twins to be placed into a sanctuary.

To start their week-long efforts in Sevier County, volunteers and a seven-foot animatronic bear named "Bernard" set up about half a mile away from the store. The robotic bear is voiced by actor Casey Affleck.

A spokesperson for the city confirmed the ornate object the c

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