A petition calling upon Louisiana State University to stop using a live tiger mascot is circulating.
“Please sign this petition if you believe animals should be free, not held captive to be used as mascots,” the petition reads in part.
LSU has a long tradition of incorporating a live tiger in its spirit events. The university has a state-of-the-art habitat facility where the mascot is kept. The current tiger, Mike VII, is the seventh tiger owned by the university.
“His predecessor died last year from terminal cancer after living his last years confined in a limited space only to be allowed outside for display at football games,” the petition explains.
The controversial animal rights organization PETA has joined in petitioning LSU, but the university and its College Republicans chapter are pushing back.
“Although LSU has upgraded Mike VII’s enclosure and stopped hauling him out in front of thousands of screaming football fans, [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] urges the university to seek accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries — which is the gold star of captive-animal care and would ensure that any future ‘Mikes’ are true rescues who are treated as sensitive living beings, with needs and interests that can’t be satisfied when they’re used as a mascot,” PETA Vice President of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders told Campus Reform.
Mike VII lives in a state-of-the-art facility, licensed by the Department of Agriculture.
“The facility, tiger and animal care programs are inspected annually to ensure that they comply with the Federal Animal Welfare Act and other USDA policies and guidelines,” explained LSU in an August 2017 press release welcoming Mike VII to campus.
“There is no tiger in the world loved more than Mike VII,” said LSU College Republicans Chairman Joshua Tucker.
The petition had reached more than 95,000 signatures at time of publication, although the majority are from those unaffiliated with LSU.
“Animals are not here for our amusement,” petitioners assert.
Alexander James is a contributor to Red Alert Politics and a freelance journalist.
