Australia Brisbane Lions - Do Not Bring a Live Lion On Playing Field!
- by: Sue Lee
- recipient: Officials of the Brisbane Lions Australia
Please sign and share this petition in an effort to stop the officials of the Brisbane Lions AFL team from bringing a live lion onto its playing field prior to playing their games. Such an event would be so stressful for the majestic animal while also putting players, staff and fans in peril. As much as everyone would love to view this gorgeous animal, a lion does not belong in the midst of an Australian football game full of spectators and fans.
Recently, the Brisbane Lions Chief Executive Greg Swann was in discussion with a local zoo in an effort to secure a live lion as part of a pre-match entertainment festivity. However, animal advocates and many fans are in protest of parading the "king of beast" around the football field for the amusement of the fans, including kids. The AFL was supportive of the idea, stating that it would provide “greater supporter engagement and fan involvement”.
This "publicity stunt" would have devastating effects on the animal itself. The stadium has a capacity of 42,000 spectators that could present great stress for the animal. The lion would be help in captivity until it would be scheduled to parade aimlessly around the crowded stadium, stressing out all the animals and putting everyone in danger. Remember, this is a wild animal that does not understand the situation; it gets stressed and scared, attempting to get away with its natural defensive mechanisms, which can create harm and stress for the lion as well as putting all humans in danger if the lion does get loose.
A lion does not belong on a sports field and can cause devastating effects on the animal and the humans that are present. Although the sports club would never knowingly put the lion in harm's way, this is definitely a horrific idea with poor results. Animal advocates state that “If they are considering it in any form, we would be very much against it and do everything in our power to stop it. It would be very, very stressful for the lion and unfortunately at large events such as that, there are always idiots who will throw something or try to take the lion on. There are too many variables. We have moved on from the days of the Roman arenas, frankly.” Additionally, Humane Society International spokesman added that “It would be totally inappropriate and dangerous behavior. I can’t imagine any zoo agreeing to loan a lion, nor a Queensland government department being happy with such an arrangement. HSI would certainly oppose this move.”
There are many other methods of drawing in large crowds other than engaging the actions of a feral wild animal like the majestic kingly lion. Please sign and share this petition in an effort to stop the officials of the Brisbane Lions AFL team from bringing a live lion onto its playing field prior to playing their games. Such an event would be so stressful for the majestic animal while also putting players, staff and fans in peril. As much as everyone would love to view this gorgeous animal, a lion does not belong in the midst of an Australian football game full of spectators and fans.
Officials of the Brisbane Lions Australia - Please do not consider using an actual live lion as part of your publicity stunt in order to gain more fans and larger attendance in the stadium. There are many other steps you can take other than the exploitation of the majestic king of beast. This is not only stressful for the animal but also dangerous for the players, spectators and fans. Do not use a live animal as a ploy for publicity; this would be a form of animal cruelty to the lion and ensuing danger to the humans in the area. This lion is not an object and needs respect as such. Consider other methods that would draw crowds without harming animals and humans alike.
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