People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, commonly known as PETA, sent a letter to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) football player George Carlson, also the owner of Pudge, regarding the treatment and health of the cat.
On Sept. 5, PETA reached out to Carlson, asking to keep Pudge home for the rest of the season because of breathing issues common in Persian cats like Pudge. BGSU Athletics later responded to the letter.
“Cats like Pudge are bred to have cartoonishly flat faces, which cause them a lifetime of debilitating health problems,” wrote Colleen O’Brien, the senior vice president of PETA.
These cats are susceptible to eye conditions and disorders due to their bulging eyes, and breathing is a struggle due to their smushed faces.
“…having a smushed-in face means their nostrils and trachea are almost squeezed shut, making breathing a constant struggle for them,” wrote O’Brien. “Do you ever hear Pudge wheezing, snorting or snoring?”
PETA fears that the popularity of Pudge will encourage fans to adopt their own “breathing impaired cat.”
“…people may be inspired to buy their own flat-faced cat, leading to more animals being bred to suffer—and fueling the animal homelessness crisis,” writes PETA in an article about the letter.
PETA then asked Carlon to leave Pudge at home and to add a motto for all animals on the Pudge merchandise.
“Please will you give Pudge a bye week, or better yet, let him stay home for the rest of the season,” wrote O’Brien. “We’ll give you an extra point if you add ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ to your Pudge merchandise.”
In response to this letter, BGSU Athletics wrote a statement to PETA regarding the treatment of Pudge.
“The University prioritizes Pudge’s health and safety at all times. At every BGSU football game, a licensed veterinarian is present to carefully monitor all aspects of Pudge’s well-being,” writes BGSU Athletics in their response.
Yet, some questions are still unanswered. It is unclear if Pudge is experiencing any of the health issues PETA said are common in Persian cats like Pudge.
BGSU Athletics responded to this follow-up question by writing, “We appreciate your follow-up questions regarding Pudge, but our statement shared earlier reflects our response on this matter.”
While PETA asked for Pudge to stay home, with new events, it is unlikely that this will happen.
The Pudge Party at Ziggy Zone will be happening before the BGSU Homecoming game Sept. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Ziggy Zone. At this event, students can meet Pudge and get free Pudge buttons, posters and stickers. Students also have the opportunity to get Pudge-themed face paint.
To read the entire PETA letter: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/frenzy-over-pudge-the-cat-prompts-peta-plea-to-bowling-green-football-player-sideline-the-stadium-visits/
