Brisbane asked to get rid of Buck the mascot and change Broncos name

7NEWS

15-05-2025

The Brisbane Broncos have dismissed a push from animal rights activists to have their famous mascot retired.
Animal right advocacy group PETA have written an open letter to the Broncos asking that they not only retire Buck the mascot, but also change their name, even suggesting the Brisbane Boomerangs as an alternative.
Buck has been an institution for the Broncos for decades, but PETA says the horse doesn't deserve 'the stress of being a mascot'.
'No matter how much effort and training is put into breaking a horse, they're prey animals with a strong fight-or-flight instinct, and it's nearly impossible to desensitise their instincts,' PETA said.
'Too often, even horses trained to the standard of military precision become spooked and run, injuring themselves and others when startled by loud noises, like pyrotechnics and fireworks, as well as sudden movements.
'PETA is asking the Brisbane Broncos to retire Buck and move away from imagery such as bucking broncos, which glorifies rodeos.
'The team could even adopt the name the 'Brisbane Boomerangs', after the impressive Aboriginal weapon — a nod to the team's fostering of Indigenous talent and commitment to equality.'
PETA says Buck can't consent to his role and should therefore be relieved of it.
'Removing 'real' Buck from the field is the best 'conversion' the Broncos could make,' the statement goes on.
'Unlike real horses, the human inside the inanimate Buck costume can consent to running around a field in front of screaming fans, and no one is sitting on their back.
'Aside from the odd dry cleaning, Buck the costumed character doesn't need anywhere near the level of care a real horse does.'
The animal rights group says the imagery sends the wrong message.
'Bucking bronco imagery glorifies rodeos, one of Queensland's cruellest and most backwards undertakings,' PETA said.
'During rodeos, humans use spurs, electric prods, and ropes to goad animals who are already stressed by confinement and travel to provoke their fight-or-flight response, just for human entertainment.
'Rodeos also put young, terrified calves at risk of serious injury and death during roping events, where frightened babies are brought down in whatever way possible. These animals are far from willing participants in such spectacles.'
The Broncos rubbished the request, saying Buck won't be going anywhere.
'Buck is an iconic, much-loved and much-cared for member of the Broncos family and has been for a very long time,' Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said.
'We have no plans to retire Buck, and our gameday staff will continue, as we always have, to work with his trainers and rider, and the stadium to ensure the highest level of safety, for both Buck and our fans in stadia.
'We look forward to seeing Buck at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon.'