The Toronto Blue Jays are under fire by an animal rights organization for bringing in lion and tiger cubs into the clubhouse for photo-ops before their game against the Chicago Cubs at the Rogers Center last Wednesday.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter addressed to team manager John Gibbons, general manager Alex Anthopoulos and president Paul Beeston. In the letter, posted to PETA's website on Monday, they ask the Blue Jays to "stop using lion and tiger cubs during the Toronto Blue Jays' pregame activities or for any other purpose."
A few players posted photos of the lion and tiger cubs on social media. Jose Bautista, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion were among the Jays players to post photos to their Instagram accounts.
The animals were reportedly brought in by the Bowmanville Zoo.
The letter, signed by Delcianna Winders, captive animal law enforcement of PETA, states the "team were likely unaware that exploitative stunts such as this are inherently cruel and dangerous."
"Most baby animals used for photo ops, including the lion and tiger cubs your players were snapping pictures with, are torn away from their mothers shortly after birth and spend their lives in tiny cages, deprived of all that is natural and important to them," the letter went on to say.
PETA is calling for the Blue Jays to stop using "wild animals for pregame activities or any other purpose."
