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Southern Methodist University (SMU) continues to cart Peruna IX around to chaotic sporting events as part of its outdated mascot program despite knowing that ponies are easily stressed and frightened by loud noises. Ponies are prey animals who prefer to be in peaceful environments around their own kind and are naturally uncomfortable with bright lights, screaming crowds, and marching bands.
Since 1932, SMU has burned through nine different ponies. Peruna I was hit by a car and killed; Peruna II died of blood poisoning after she was kicked by a horse; Peruna IV died of a jaw infection; Peruna V survived a kidnapping attempt; Peruna VI was forced to work for two decades without retirement until his failing liver prevented him from further performances; skittish Peruna VII broke his leg but was still forced to run during games for years until the swelling became so unmanageable that he was retired and his liver failed; and Peruna IX, the latest pony to suffer at SMU, has been forced to attend loud, stressful games for over a decade and has no plans for retirement in sight.
Ponies, like all animals, are unique and interesting individuals who can experience stress, pain, joy, love, and the desire to be free. They’re not props or objects.
Please join PETA in urging SMU to permanently end the use of “Perunas” so that no more ponies will be made to suffer in the name of entertainment at SMU.