PETA calls on SMU to end live mascot program ahead of Peruna’s appearance ACC title game

Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre unveil their Big CFB bets heading into Championship weekend, including Oregon facing Penn State for the Big Ten title, Texas battling Georgia for the SEC crown and SMU squaring off against Clemson for the ACC Champ...

SMU football team will be traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina with reinforcements for Saturday night’s Atlantic Coast Conference championship game against Clemson. But not everyone is onboard with the latest roster addition. 

SMU announced earlier this week that the team mascot, Peruna, will make the journey with the team to support the Mustangs as they try to remain perfect through conference play and secure a spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoffs.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) reacts to showing a touchdown pass to teammate wide receiver Derrick McFall (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against California, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Dallas.  (AP Photo/LM Otero)

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But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) fired off a letter to SMU President R. Gerald Turner on Friday urging the university "to cancel the senseless stunt and put an end to the school’s archaic tradition of having a live mascot." 

"Ponies are prey animals whose instinct is to panic and flee from startling noises, yet SMU plans to parade this pony like a toy in front of a stadium full of screaming fans, noisemakers, and a band," PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said in a statement. 

"PETA is urging SMU to consider Peruna IX’s perspective, cancel this appearance, and leave ponies in peace by ending the school’s live mascot program."

Southern Methodist Mustangs mascot Peruna runs across the