Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana State University are facing huge backlash for bringing a live Bengal tiger onto a chaotic football field before their game against Alabama on Saturday.
The controversial stunt marked the return of a tradition that has been abandoned about a decade ago.
PETA slammed the act as “cruel and dangerous” despite supporters’ overwhelming ovation at the stadium.
The foundation criticized Landry for ignoring animal rights activists’ protests and “trucking a stressed tiger across state lines, and cramming him into a clear box in a raucous football stadium” calling the move “cruel and dangerous.”
Social media users were also furious with the governor and the LSU’s decision to roll out a caged, panicked tiger at the game.
“Forcing a live tiger to go to a college football game with 102,000 spectators and using taxpayer money to ship it in from Florida is animal abuse and disgusting,” one wrote.
“Bringing a live tiger into Tiger Stadium has proven to be a detrimental decision in regards to the care of those majestic animals. It’s OK to let traditions die and remember them fondly, but know it’s the right choice. Do better. Don’t let this happen.”
