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PETA calls for SMU to cancel live mascot appearance at ACC Championship

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs12/07/24grant_grubbs_
SMU live mascot Peruna horse Shetland pony
© Raymond Carlin III | Imagn Images

SMU‘s live mascot, Peruna, will be traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Mustangs’ showdown against Clemson in the ACC Championship. However, not everybody is happy to see the Shetland Pony coming along for the ride. On Friday, PETA publicly chastised SMU for bringing its live mascot to the game.

“Hey, [SMU], ponies are living individuals, NOT props for your championship game,” PETA wrote on X. “Ponies panic around loud noises—parading one around screaming fans & blaring music is cruel & senseless! PLEASE cancel Peruna IX’s appearance & end your live mascot program!”

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SMU debuted its live mascot in 1932. The first Shetland pony was named after Peruna, a popular patent medicine at the time. The name has been passed on for generations, all the way to SMU’s latest honoree, Peruna IX.

The live mascot is present at every home football game for SMU. During the game, Peruna rests behind SMU’s end zone, watching the Mustangs drive toward the end zone. Before the game and in between quarters, SMU fans shower Peruna with cheers as he runs across the field.

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Peruna IX has been serving as SMU’s live mascot since October 2011. When he’s not firing up the crowd, Peruna roams the fields at an undisclosed location. Despite SMU’s storied history of live mascots, PETA believes the university should end its tradition.

“We urge you to cancel this senseless stunt and put an end to this archaic tradition,” PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman said in a statement. “SMU shouldn’t be teaching students that it’s OK to subject a pony to bright lights, screaming crowds, bands, noisemakers, and an unfamiliar environment. Ponies are prey animals. They are easily stressed or frightened by loud noises—and no amount of “grooming” or summer band practices will prepare them for the chaos of game day.

“As more and more people realize that every animal is an individual with their own interests, needs, and personalities—as well as the capacity to feel pain, fear, and love, students and sports fans alike are increasingly opposed to using live animals as “spectacles” at sporting events.”

It’s safe to assume SMU won’t bend the knee to PETA’s pleads. SMU and Clemson will square off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will air live on ABC.