Cornes and King react to animal activist push to retire Bulldogs mascots and change club nickname

The Western Bulldogs are in the sights of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia in regards to their mascots and club nickname.

The animal rights activist group released a statement on Thursday urging the Bulldogs to retire their live bulldog mascots, Caesar and Sonny, as well as suggesting that the club change their name to the ‘Western Mutts’.

PETA’s push to have the club retire its live mascots is due to their belief that it normalises breathing-impaired dog breeds such as English bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs. They believe that the club is unwittingly supporting the intentional breeding of these dogs.

The statement was picked up and turned into a story by the Herald Sun, which prompted SEN Breakfast duo Kane Cornes and David King to give their reactions.

Both King and Cornes think that the Bulldogs should stick strong with their mascots and club nickname which they think is one of the best in the AFL.

King: “The Western Bulldogs have been urged to retire their mascots and undertake a name change after receiving a complaint from PETA over their deformed Bulldogs, Caesar and Sonny.

“You can't be serious.”

Cornes: “You’re not serious, are you?”

King: “It amazes me that this is a story.

“The Bulldogs have been a part of the pre-game, and they're terrific.”

Cornes: “I love it.”

King: “I just don't understand it.”

Cornes: “It’s a great mascot the Bulldogs..”

King: “I love It just looks strong.

“I didn't realise that they had had issues, but if they do, so what?

“They're the mascot. They're your own mascot, you can do what you like.”

The club’s live mascots Caeser and Sonny attend every home game dressed up in club attire.