{
  "id": 15868291,
  "title": "EPL: Stadiums not for live animal mascots, group tells Crystal Palace",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/epl-stadiums-not-for-live-animal-mascots-group-tells-crystal-palace-15868291",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T09:45:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-stadiums-not-for-live-animal-mascots-group-tells-crystal-palace/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has urged Crystal Palace to cease using a live bald eagle mascot, citing the unsuitability of stadiums for animals. In a letter to the club's CEO, Sharon Lacey, PETA demanded the immediate retirement of Phoenix and the discontinuation of live animal mascots altogether. The Eagles, who have had a live eagle mascot since 2010, introduced Phoenix just last month. PETA argued that the bright lights, loud noise, and boisterous crowds at stadiums can cause fear, disorientation, and panic in birds, posing risks to both animals and spectators. The organization cited past incidents where live mascots resulted in injuries or fatalities, including a falcon that attacked a fan. PETA also highlighted the stress and frustration caused to animals by being forced to perform in unnatural settings.",
  "summary": "Animal rights group PETA has urged Premier League club Crystal Palace to retire its live bald eagle mascot, Phoenix, citing stress and safety concerns. Read More: https://punchng.com/epl-stadiums-not-for-live-animal-mascots-group-tells-crystal-palace/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "EPL: Stadiums not for live animal mascots, group tells Crystal Palace",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/epl-stadiums-not-for-live-animal-mascots-group-tells-crystal-palace",
        "published": "2026-10-21T09:08:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}