After Swagger Jr.’s Death, PETA Calls on 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 dog who loved people.

He succeeded his father Swagger Sr. as club president in 2019, following his father’s retirement.

Swagger Sr. was the team’s first living mascot and died in 2020 after serving in the role for approximately five years.

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

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

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

“Generations of breeding for a certain appearance have left Bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer and life-threatening heart problems, among other painful diseases, and Swagger Jr.’s death at age 5 should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately produces these doomed, respiratory-afflicted breeds.”

The statement continues:

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

The team has not commented on the matter, but in an announcement on X, they said they are grateful for Swagger Jr.’s loyal support and all the wonderful memories he has created for so many.

Swagger Jr. was a beloved mascot to so many — and the symbol of the Pound Dog that 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.