Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sent letters to the University of Georgia and the University of Texas demanding they retire their animal mascots after a near-disaster between Texas' steer Bevo and Georgia's bulldog Uga.
Bevo charged at Uga on the field during the Sugar Bowl last week, nearly hooking the beloved bulldog and sending reporters diving for cover.
Channel 2's Berndt Petersen was on the UGA campus in Athens, getting the reaction to PETA's demands.
Most Bulldogs lovers would like to forget that game, but there's on memory no one can stop talking about.
Former Channel 2 Sports Director Chuck Dowdle was on the field when the scary incident happened.
"Soon as it happened, there were a number of people who came from the Texas sideline, to our sideline, to tell us," Dowdle said. Witnesses told Dowdle Bevo was definitely going for the white bulldog.
Still, most people on campus did not agree with PETA that the incident was worthy of banning live mascots on the field.
"I don't know, maybe they shouldn't have them interact with each other," student Tara Hinson said. "Because there's such a difference in size. But I don't think they should 'retire' them!"
The universal sentiment on the UGA campus was that Uga will always be welcome on the field.
In fact, some people might not know that Uga isn't a school-owned mascot at all, but a family pet.
"The University of Georgia is one of the few schools in the country that does not actually own its mascot," Dowdle said.
Uga and all of his predecessors belong to the Seiler family of Savannah.
Petersen talked to Sonny Seiler via phone, who said his own son was holding Uga's leash when Bevo charged. But he said he won't dignify PETA's complaint with a response.
The Seiler family has raised every Uga since 'Uga 1' way back in 1956. The current Uga is No. 10.
Dowdle said a UGA without Uga is unthinkable. He's more popular than any player or coach.
"Ask anybody what the longest line is to get your picture made with," Dowdle said. "They'll all tell you it's Uga! Everybody wants a picture with Uga."
Graduate student Lisa Christopher can see it from both sides.
"I understand the sentiment," Christopher said. "But I think Uga -- I can't speak for any steers -- but that dog is well taken care of. I don't think there's any harm in having them. They're kid of beloved by the students and faculty, and really everyone in Georgia."
Petersen reached out to both schools for a response regarding PETA's demand, but got no response.
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