An animal rights organisation has launched a campaign directed at the Brisbane Broncos, urging the team to retire Buck their live horse mascot, and asking the team to reconsider the team name due to concerns about animal welfare and what some perceive to be the glorification of rodeo practices.
PETA’s Concerns and Proposed Changes
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia-Pacific Campaign Manager, Abigail Forsyth, stated that using live animals at sporting events is inappropriate, describing the experience for a horse like Buck in a stadium filled with bright lights, loud noises, and cheering fans as terrifying and distressing.
The organisation has directly appealed to the Broncos, suggesting that while retiring Buck is their primary request, the team should also consider the implications of their name and imagery, arguing that it promotes rodeos, an industry they believe is built on animal fear and pain.
Furthermore, PETA has proposed that the Brisbane Broncos adopt a new name that does not involve animal cruelty, suggesting “Brisbane Boomerangs” as a potential alternative. This name would meaningfully acknowledge the club’s history of fostering Indigenous talent and its commitment to equality.
PETA representatives, including Vice-President Mimi Bekhechi, have echoed this sentiment, suggesting that other sporting teams have already embraced the Boomerangs moniker and would present a more progressive image for the NRL club. They even offered a new logo design to support this potential rebranding.
Broncos’ Response and Community Sentiments
The Brisbane Broncos have publicly responded to PETA’s campaign, firmly stating they have no plans to retire Buck. The club emphasised that Buck is an iconic, much-loved, and well-cared-for member of the Broncos family, a tradition that has existed for a significant period.
They assured the community that their game-day staff consistently work with Buck’s rider and the stadium management to ensure the highest level of safety for both the horse and the fans attending matches at Suncorp Stadium.
The PETA suggestion has also drawn a reaction from within the Broncos community. Club legend Chris Johns dismissed the idea as “the most ridiculous suggestion of all time.” Current Broncos forward Payne Haas also supported Buck, reassuring fans that the mascot is “safe” and “with us.”
This indicates a strong connection and affection for Buck within the team and its supporter base. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy confirmed that while he had not received direct correspondence from PETA, the club’s position on Buck’s future remains unchanged.
Rodeo Imagery and Animal Welfare Arguments
A key aspect of PETA’s campaign is its criticism of the Broncos’ “bucking bronco” imagery, which it argues glorifies rodeos. It describes rodeos as one of Queensland’s cruellest and most backward undertakings, detailing the use of spurs, electric prods, and ropes to provoke a fight-or-flight response in animals for entertainment.
PETA also highlighted the risks to young calves in roping events, where they can suffer serious injury or death. They contend that these animals are unwilling participants in such spectacles.
In contrast, PETA suggests that a human mascot in a costume could fulfil the role without any ethical concerns. They pointed out that a person inside a costume can consent to performing in front of crowds and does not require the extensive care and consideration needed for a live animal. PETA believes that removing the live Buck from the field would be the best ethical decision the Broncos could make.
Despite PETA’s strong stance, the Brisbane Broncos appear resolute in keeping their current mascot and team name. Buck the horse is expected to continue his role at future games.
The debate, however, raises important questions within the community about the ethics of using live animals for entertainment and the broader implications of sports team branding.
Published Date 16-May-2025
