Sunday letters: Drop the spur from Gamecock mascot

After more than 35 years living in Columbia and now having my youngest in her third year at USC, it’s time to speak up. We need to lose the spur, that artificial weapon attached to fighting roosters’ legs and associated with animal abuse, criminal activity and horribly cruel behavior.

My job in Columbia has been to run an animal clinic, tending not only to dogs and cats, but also the non-traditional pets. This has included chickens, and I can attest to the ferocity and courage the roosters show, regardless of size or number of their foes.

The Gamecock rooster is certainly deserving of its place as mascot of USC athletic teams, especially the recent baseball, football and women’s basketball teams. The stark beauty of the Gamecock makes it one of the most striking and beautiful creatures, another plus for a mascot. These warriors certainly don’t need an artificial weapon, since they already possess one naturally and have the attitude to back it up.

It’s time to address this issue. We, the Gamecock Nation, don’t need the artificial spur. It should be dropped from every Gamecock icon, picture, statue, etc. as soon as possible. Go Gamecocks.

West Columbia

This story was originally published May 2, 2015 at 7:30 PM.