The organisation said forcing eagles into such settings strips them of the chance to follow their natural instincts, as these are creatures that “would naturally avoid humans,” resulting in “frustration and stress”.
PETA cited its own “detailed records” of live mascots suffering injuries or death after colliding with walls, windows and match balls, alongside an incident in which a falcon sank its talons into a spectator’s scalp.
In 2017, a Charlton Athletic supporter was convicted of attempting to punch Kayla during a League Cup match two years prior.
Dr Carys Bennett, PETA’s senior corporate projects manager, pointed out numerous professional sports clubs rely exclusively on costumed performers to entertain supporters.
