Roar Zone Live

[Francisco Raya]

TheLionesses UEFA Women's Nations League opener against Scotland kicks off at Sunderland's Stadium of Light at 19.45 on Friday 22 September.

But ahead of kick off, fans are being encouraged to take advantage of pre match refreshment and entertainment on offer at the Keel Square Fan Zone, with its mix of live music and DJ performances.

The family-friendly fan zone will be in operation from 13.00 - 18.45 offering fun packed entertainment including live music from DJs and interviews with SAFC legends. This will be accompanied by tasty street food and a bar, seating area with deck chairs and a stage and children's football games.

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "It's incredibly exciting for Sunderland to be hosting the Lionesses' first match in the UK since their gripping World Cup final. The Keel Square Fan Zone is a fantastic opportunity for anyone planning on going along on the night, to soak up some of the pre match buzz and excitement ahead of the main event.

"Our city has particularly strong connections to the Lionesses, with past and present players including Lucy Bronze and Jordan Knobbs, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott all having spent some of their early playing careers here so I think there will be a brilliant atmosphere in the fan zone, making it well worth while going along."

SAFC's Chief Operating Officer, Steve Davison, added: "We are incredibly proud to be hosting the Lionesses' North East return and what is also their official homecoming after an incredible performance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Sunderland shares a special relationship with the Lionesses and we are excited to strengthen that connection this September, as we inspire the next generation and continue to champion Women's sport within the region. Before heading to the Stadium of Light, I encourage all fans to visit Keel Square to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere in the heart of the City of Sunderland."

This article will argue that the recent regulation of universities' use of Native American mascots has paved the way for criticism of universities' use of live animals as mascots. Part II will examine the federal law governing the treatment of nonhuman animals, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and examples of cases based on the AWA. Part III will examine the state laws and provide examples of state animal anti-cruelty statutes and cases. Part IV will explain why both the AWA and the state anti-cruelty laws apply to universities. Then, Part V will argue why universities should be proactive and create guidelines and restrictions on the use of live, nonhuman animals as mascots in light of animal rights activists protesting the use of nonhuman animals for entertainment, including in circuses, shows, and movies.

A university's mascot is more than just a mascot; it is a symbol of the university and something that students can identify with even after graduation. Whether people call themselves a badger, golden eagle, terrapin, or buckeye, they affiliate themselves not only with the university but also with the mascot. But who decides if a university can use a particular mascot or if there are any restrictions on the uses and types of mascots? Universities have dealt with public dissatisfaction concerning the use of Native American mascots and should be prepared to deal with a new public scrutiny. In an age where animal laws are receiving increased attention, universities should prepare themselves for public scrutiny of the use of live, nonhuman animals as mascots.

The federal government has recognized that treatment and care for animals is important. By enacting the AWA, the government has imposed guidelines and regulations for the care and treatment of animals. This section provides an overview of the history of the AWA and then explains which persons and *600 organizations this law applies to.

Section 2.1 of Subpart A of the AWA details which persons are required to have a license. Sections 2.1(a)(1) and (2) provide a general application for dealers, exhibitors, or operators who are subject to the AWA, but this is limited by those who are exempted under (a)(3). [FN11] Examples of parties that are exempted under the statute include the following:

These exemptions demonstrate that the AWA's primary focus is on larger organizations that work with animals, such as research facilities and animal exhibitors, and the people who try to sell such animals to these organizations. The exemptions also show that the AWA will not apply to smaller organizations such as pet stores or breeders.

Although the AWA provides these exemptions, case law provides examples of claims brought under the AWA. For instance, the AWA was used to ensure that a chimpanzee in a roadside zoo received the appropriate care. [FN13] But, the AWA may also be used for procedural violations even when no harm is done to the animals. [FN14] The following two cases demonstrate how AWA claims can be brought in the interest of animals and how the AWA interacts with state animal anti-cruelty statutes.

In addition to the AWA, there are state statutes that protect the care and treatment of animals. These statutes often deal with areas of animal cruelty that are not within the AWA's scope. These statutes are vital to the protection of animals on a smaller scale, such as from an abusive owner, hoarder, or other treatment by a non-licensed animal caregiver.

Another example of a comprehensive state statute protecting animals is from Louisiana, which has an extensive animal anti-cruelty statute covering a variety of acts by animal owners as well as establishing associations and funds to support the care of animals. For example, Chapter 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes explains that

The Wisconsin and Louisiana animal anti-cruelty statutes are just two examples of the state laws enacted to protect animals from cruel and abusive treatment. Forty-four other states have similar statutes, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. [FN48] These statutes *606 cover various animal owners and caretakers within the state or territory. The maximum fines range from $500 to $500,000, while the maximum jail time ranges from sixty days to fifteen years. [FN49] The number of states with animal protection laws with substantial fines and jail time establishes that the states take the laws very seriously.

There are a number of universities that use live, nonhuman animals as mascots to represent their university. This section will provide numerous examples of the universities that use such animals and the history of such use, as well as examples of how these mascots have been treated over the years. Then, based on the use of these animals as mascots, this section will show how the university can be held directly responsible for the care of these animals and analyze what animal laws apply to the universities.

Universities have various types of mascots. Some have mascots that are people dressed in an animal costume, [FN55] others have people dressed to portray a certain person, [FN56] and then there are those that use live animals. [FN57] The following universities are examples of the schools that use live, nonhuman animals as mascots.

Tusk II was, until recently, a wild hog, also known as a razorback, and he represented the University of Arkansas. [FN58] He passed away of natural causes in January 2010, and his brother will now represent the school as Tusk III. [FN59] A family took care of Tusk II and will now care for Tusk III; there is even a Tusk Fund run by the Razorback Foundation that allows fans to contribute to the support and care of the mascot. [FN60] The University of Arkansas' tradition started with a series of hogs in the 1960s, and although the University cites to the support from fans as a reason to continue the tradition, there are also reports of the animals' fierce behavior. [FN61] An example is the story of Big Red III, who escaped his exhibit and ravaged the countryside until a farmer gunned him down in 1977. [FN62] Ragnar, another mascot who died in 1978, went on a spree killing a coyote, a 450-pound pig, and seven rattlesnakes. [FN63]

Since 1956, Uga, an English Bulldog, has represented the University of Georgia. [FN64] Uga has also been owned and cared for by a family in Savannah, the same family has cared for the Uga line since 1956. [FN65] However, before Uga, there were other live, nonhuman mascots that represented the *608 University. [FN66] In 1892, a goat represented the University. [FN67] Then, in 1894, a student donated her Bull Terrier as a campus pet and mascot to a fraternity. [FN68] The bulldog tradition began in 1944 with Mr. Angel, who represented the team until 1946, followed by Butch from 1947 to 1950, Mike from 1951 to 1955, and then the Uga tradition began. [FN69] Uga VII was the mascot for the 2008-09 season. [FN70]

Mike, a Siberian Bengal tiger, represents Louisiana State University *609 (LSU). [FN79] The LSU student body bought the first Mike for $750 from the Little Rock Zoo. [FN80] In 2005, the University built a habitat for the tiger between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. [FN81] The 15,000-square foot habitat includes plants, a live oak tree, a waterfall, and a stream. [FN82] There is also a backdrop of an Italian tower. [FN83] Before each home game, Mike is parked in his cage next to the opponents' locker room so that the opposing team must pass him. [FN84] The tradition also includes Mike being brought out in his cage with the LSU cheerleaders on top of the cage before each home game. [FN85] In the past, people would pound on the cage in order to make Mike roar, but that practice was discontinued after the school received complaints of cruelty. [FN86] Although Mike used to travel with the team, an incident in 1970 put an end to his travel when his cage overturned on a highway. [FN87] He has traveled only four times since the accident: to a Mardi Gras parade in 1984, to the 1985 Sugar Bowl, and to two basketball games at the Superdome. [FN88] Additional incidents have included a kidnapping of Mike I by Tulane students, as well as pranksters in the mid-1980s who freed Mike IV before an LSU game. [FN89] While roaming free, Mike IV toppled small trees and was tranquilized by police while trapped in the track stadium. [FN90]

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