After Swagger Jr.’s death, PETA calls for Browns to stop using live mascots

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Swagger Jr. has died. And he was a good boy.

It’s a sad day for Browns fans, who remember him as a fantastic mascot and a patient pooch who loved people.

He took over the top dawg spot from his dad Swagger Sr. in 2019, after dad was retired.

Swagger Sr. was the first live mascot for the team, and died in 2020 after holding that job for about five years.

The Browns are one of the few teams in the NFL that have a live mascot. The Ravens, the Broncos and the Seahawks have live mascots.

But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are asking the Browns to reconsider having a live mascot featuring a mastiff.

In a statement released right after Swagger Jr.’s death, PETA spokeswoman Moira Colley said:

“Generations of breeding for a certain look have left bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart issues, among other painful conditions, and Swagger Jr.’s death at the young age of 5 should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately churns out these doomed breathing-impaired breeds.”

The statement continues:

“PETA is calling on the Cleveland Browns to end its live-mascot program and instead adopt a logo featuring a brown mixed-breed dog from an undoubtedly overwhelmed local animal shelter.”

The team had no comment about this, but in an announcement made on X said they were grateful for Swagger Jr.’s loyal support and all the wonderful memories he created for so many people.

Swagger Jr. was a beloved mascot for so many people — and the symbol of the dawg pound which is the heart of Browns nation.

And even though his life was short, the dog’s place among Browns fans will always be a happy one.

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