Following the Cleveland Browns’ Tuesday death of their live dog mascot, PETA goes berserk.
Swagger Jr., often known as SJ, the live dog mascot for the Cleveland Browns, passed suddenly on Tuesday. SJ was born in 2018 and died at the age of five. After the first living Browns mascot, Swagger, passed away in 2020, SJ assumed the position of his father.
We regret to inform you of the demise of SJ, our cherished mascot. We are incredibly appreciative of his many years of devoted support and treasure every amazing memory he has contributed to the creation of for both young and old fans.
In sports, live dog mascots are highly popular, particularly during college football games. While Texas A&M uses a Collie, Georgia uses a bulldog, and some teams use larger live mascots, like Texas’s actual Longhorn.
Naturally, some groups were going to be incensed about the Cleveland Browns employing a live mascot going forward. People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals, or PETA, released a statement urging the Browns to discontinue their use of live dog mascots.
In a statement following SJ’s death, PETA President Tracy Reiman reportedly stated, “generations of breeding for a certain look has left bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart issues, among other painful conditions.” This information is according to a TMZ report. “Should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately churns out these doomed breathing-impaired breeds,” she continued.
Reiman has recommended that the Browns give up on their living mascot. The Browns have a dog that may be waiting to take SJ’s place, and they have a wonderful history of caring for and safeguarding canines.
Fans can adopt a new friend from the Browns every year during training camp. The dogs are available for adoption. Dogs are sent to wonderful homes by the Browns, just like SJ was for the previous five years.
The Browns will probably continue to display a live dog on the sidelines, and maybe this autumn’s pup will be eager to see some amazing football.
