Quoth the animal protection group, “Nevermore.”
PETA urged the Baltimore Ravens in a letter Tuesday to forgo plans to feature live birds at home games this season, less than a week after the team said a Georgia trainer is working with two 8-week-old ravens to fly around M&T Bank Stadium this fall.
“The bright lights, screaming fans and loud noises ? such as air horns, bands and amplified sound systems ? are terrifying for animals who can?t possibly understand what is going on,” Kristie Phelps, assistant director of PETA?s Animals in Entertainment Campaign, wrote in a letter to Gabrielle Dow, the Ravens? vice president of marketing.
“Regardless of how these birds are trained, they are likely to be severely distressed by the overwhelming confusion of the situation,” Phelps wrote.
The Ravens in a statement said they appreciate PETA?s concern and share the group?s concerns for the animals. “We did considerable research on the abilities and well-being of the birds prior to making this decision,” the Ravens said. “We are working with a highly regarded handler who specializes in the training and performing of a wide variety of animals. We?re confident the birds will suffer no harm performing during our home games.”
Raven trainer Daniel Walthers declined to comment on PETA?s statement Tuesday.
PETA has sent similar letters to universities who use live animals as mascots, Phelps told The Examiner. The animal protection group has contacted Kent State University and Louisiana State University, which display an eagle and a tiger during home games, respectively.
In the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks all have had animals present at home games.
Phelps suggested the Ravens consider showing the live ravens on video boards at the stadium and rely on human performers for mascot entertainment.
PETA has yet to be successful in convincing a school or team to reconsider using live animals at sports events.
“We?re hopeful that officials with the Baltimore Ravens … will make the compassionate decision to prohibit the use of live animals at games,” Phelps said.
