PETA Calls Out LSU Over Mike VI, And They Couldn't Be More Wrong

Today is a very sad day for Tiger Nation. As you likely know, our beloved live mascot Mike VI passed away today in hospice care. Mike The Tiger was loved by each and every one of us, and for many young fans, he is the only Mike they have ever known.

The LSU fanbase has collectively mourned today, as to most of us he was more than just a mascot. He brought smiles to anyone who had the pleasure of being in his presence, and he symbolized and embodied everything LSU is.

In response to the news, animal rights group PETA issued a statement basically saying LSU needs to discontinue having live mascots as puppets for our amusement. Here is the full release:

The group and Ms. Mathews are clearly uninformed and ignorant when it comes to Mike The Tiger and the long-standing tradition at LSU. Not a single person near LSU would ever make the comment that Mike VI or any of his predecessors are being exploited or “reduced to game-day props.”

Mike VI was LSU. He was everything this university is about, and the fans, staff, and everyone involved in anyway with the university loved him. He was treated like a king and adored by all. He was not “paraded” and then locked in a dismal, abusive habitat. Mike’s habitat was the dream of any Tiger, and he was showered with attention practically all the time.

PETA can use this as an opportunity to receive press and make their point, but they could not be more wrong. Mike VI was loved by LSU and the people around it, and Mike VII will be adored and treated just as well.