Southern Methodist University (SMU) is facing increasing pressure from animal rights organizations, particularly PETA, to retire its live mascot, Peruna, amid growing concerns over animal welfare. As the university prepares for its highly anticipated appearance at the upcoming ACC title game, this call for change has sparked a nationwide debate between preserving tradition and prioritizing ethical treatment of animals. The controversy surrounding Peruna, a live miniature horse that has served as SMU’s mascot for decades, is not just about the mascot itself but also represents a larger conversation about the role of live animals in college athletics, sports traditions, and animal rights.
The History of Peruna: A Tradition at SMU
Peruna has been a symbol of pride and spirit at Southern Methodist University since 1932. As one of the few live mascots in college sports, the miniature horse has earned its place at SMU football games, pep rallies, and other athletic events, galloping across the field to rev up fans and embody the school’s rich athletic tradition. Over the years, Peruna has become an iconic figure not only for SMU students and alumni but also for college sports enthusiasts across the country.
The current Peruna is the 11th in the line of mascots to bear the name, with each generation of miniature horses being trained to maintain the high energy and enthusiasm associated with the school spirit. However, as the animal rights movement has gained more traction in recent years, the presence of live animals at college sports events has come under increased scrutiny.
PETA’s Call to Retire Peruna: A Response to Growing Concerns
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is at the forefront of this movement, calling on SMU to retire Peruna and transition to a non-living mascot model. PETA argues that using live animals in such high-stress, fast-paced environments is detrimental to the well-being of the animal. The organization points to the risks posed to Peruna during the football games, where loud noises, large crowds, and the physical demands of performing at every home game can cause undue stress to the animal.
In a statement issued to the media, PETA’s senior vice president, Lisa Lange, explained: “It is simply wrong to use an animal in this way. Peruna, like all animals, deserves a life free from exploitation and stress. SMU should be setting an example for ethical treatment of animals, not perpetuating outdated practices that harm them.”
While PETA’s stance is clear, SMU officials have defended their use of Peruna, arguing that the animal’s health and safety are paramount and that the school takes extensive measures to ensure the mascot is well cared for. The university has stated that Peruna is provided with the best veterinary care, a specially trained handler, and ample opportunities for rest before and after game-day appearances.
The Ethical Debate: Tradition vs. Animal Welfare
The issue raises a broader ethical question about the role of live animals in sports and entertainment. Proponents of live mascots argue that such traditions are an essential part of college sports culture. They emphasize that Peruna is treated with the utmost care and affection, with the handler and university staff prioritizing the animal’s well-being. Furthermore, many supporters assert that retiring the live mascot could strip SMU of a unique aspect of its identity, which has garnered affection from generations of students, alumni, and fans.
On the other hand, critics of live mascots contend that no tradition should come at the expense of an animal’s welfare. They argue that the increasing awareness of animal rights and the growing understanding of animals’ emotional and psychological needs mean that practices once considered acceptable should be reevaluated. In this view, the use of live animals in a highly charged sports environment may pose risks that go beyond physical injury—such as the psychological toll caused by loud crowds, travel, and the constant demands placed on the animal during the season.
The Role of Animal Welfare Advocacy in College Athletics
The debate over live mascots is part of a larger trend in which college athletic programs are under greater scrutiny regarding their treatment of animals. Over the past decade, there have been several high-profile incidents where live mascots, such as birds, horses, and even elephants, have faced public criticism or been removed from their roles due to concerns over animal rights. While some colleges have moved toward retiring live mascots in favor of animated or symbolic representations, others continue to support these traditions, arguing that they are integral to the spirit of the school.
SMU’s mascot controversy echoes a broader movement in which universities are being pushed to reconsider how they use animals in their athletic programs. For example, the University of Southern California (USC) retired its live mascot, a horse named Traveler, in 2016 after the animal was injured. Similarly, the University of Alabama’s use of an elephant as a live mascot has faced occasional scrutiny from animal rights advocates, though the school has taken steps to ensure the elephant’s well-being during public appearances.
Public Opinion: A Divided Perspective
Public opinion on the matter is deeply divided. Fans of SMU’s football program and the tradition of Peruna argue that the mascot is a beloved part of the school’s history, and many feel a personal connection to the miniature horse. For these supporters, the live mascot symbolizes loyalty, pride, and the enduring spirit of SMU sports. They believe that the current care regimen for Peruna is more than sufficient to ensure the animal’s comfort and safety during events.
- Many alumni who participated in the university’s athletic programs see Peruna as a link to their college days and argue that removing the mascot would be a blow to school spirit.
- Some SMU students express a desire to preserve the mascot but suggest exploring alternatives, such as limiting Peruna’s appearances to less demanding events or finding ways to reduce the risks associated with his presence at games.
However, advocates for animal rights maintain that the emotional attachment to a live mascot should not override the animal’s fundamental needs. They argue that the potential risks of using Peruna in such high-energy environments outweigh the benefits, and that ethical considerations should take precedence over tradition.
Broader Implications: The Future of Live Mascots in College Sports
The ongoing controversy surrounding Peruna reflects a shift in how society views the role of animals in human entertainment. As more people advocate for the rights and well-being of animals, universities and athletic programs may face increasing pressure to reexamine the ethics of their mascot traditions. This raises important questions about the future of live animals in sports and whether institutions should be responsible for adapting their traditions to align with modern ethical standards.
In some ways, the debate surrounding Peruna is not just about one mascot but about the larger question of how much tradition can—or should—be preserved in the face of evolving ethical norms. As universities like SMU continue to navigate these sensitive issues, they may be forced to reconsider their role as stewards of both tradition and ethical responsibility.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The decision on whether to retire Peruna will ultimately rest with SMU’s administration. However, the outcome of this controversy could set an important precedent for other universities that utilize live animals in their athletic programs. It is clear that there is no easy resolution to the debate between tradition and animal welfare, but the ongoing discussion signals that institutions of higher learning must balance respect for tradition with a commitment to the ethical treatment of animals.
As universities across the country continue to wrestle with similar issues, the case of Peruna highlights the need for a thoughtful and compassionate approach to animal welfare in college athletics. Whether SMU decides to retire Peruna or implement changes to the mascot program, the conversation about the role of live animals in sports is likely to continue and evolve in the years to come.
For more information about animal rights and the ethical treatment of mascots in sports, visit PETA’s website.
To learn more about SMU’s history and traditions, visit Southern Methodist University’s official site.
See more Highlights Daily
