PETA has once again renewed its call for the University of Georgia to stop presenting the live English bulldog, Uga X, as a mascot during football games and other events.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were reacting to video from Saturday's game against Texas A&M where a steady rain kept Uga inside his dog house at Sanford Stadium. The group tweeted on Monday, "He looks miserable."
This call comes 10 months after an incident between Uga and Texas' 1,800-pound longhorn steer "Bevo" at the Sugar Bowl raised eyebrows.
In January, PETA urged:
"This frightening near-tragedy is yet another example of the reason most colleges and professional sports teams retired their live-animal mascots decades ago—and the handful who haven't yet should quickly follow suit.
"If your favorite team is still forcing live animals to serve as mascots, please send a polite e-mail to its fundraising or community-outreach committee urging it to use willing human participants instead."
On Saturday, Uga and the Aggies’ live mascot, a Rough Collie named Reveille, had a less confrontational meet-and-greet.
Credit: Tony Walsh
Credit: Tony Walsh
Georgia’s mascot line started in 1956. Uga attends all Georgia home games, many away games, and attends other school-related events.
The organization has also targeted Kennesaw State for its use of a live Eurasian eagle owl, named Sturgis, during events.
Ralphie V, the buffalo that leads the Colorado football team onto the field, appeared in its last game Saturday. The university announced it would retire the live mascot. On Tuesday, Uga X, feasted on cake celebrating Ralphie.
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