PETA has a small request for the University of Colorado: Stop using live buffalo for a mascot.

The request follows a Nov. 12 announcement that Ralphie V will be retired.

The 13-year-old behemoth has served as the University’s mascot since 2008. CU-Boulder has had a live mascot since 1967.

According to PETA’s letter to CU president Mark Kennedy, “Even if animals aren’t physically harmed, it’s hard to imagine that they enjoy being paraded before raucous crowds… and treated as if they were toys rather than living.”

Given Colorado fans’ penchant for vandalizing opposing fans’ vehicles, do you think PETA will make an in person trip to follow up? Does the organization have a point? Regardless, is the cost of a live mascot better spent elsewhere?