Owl Mascot Kicked To Death
An owl kicked to death in a match in Colombia between Barranquilla club Atletico Junior and Deportivo Pereira has lead to a storm of protests and internet controversy.
The owl was the unofficial mascot of Atletico Junior and had already been hit by the ball before it was unceremoniously booted off the pitch by Deportivo Pereira defender Luis Moreno, who has subsequently been suspended for two games and fined.
The poor owl didn't look too healthy before the chain of events and questions must be asked why it was on the pitch to begin with. Birds of prey as club mascots are growing in popularity: Lazio now parade an eagle they "signed" from Benfica in Lisbon. Animal rights groups have condemned the fashion.
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