CLEVELAND — The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is asking the Cleveland Indians to add a veggie hot dog to the team’s race menu.
But the menu isn’t at the concession stands — it is the lineup of racing hot dogs that compete for all the ketchup.
PETA has petitioned the team to add a veggie dog to the race competitors for next year when the team makes another big change, dropping the name Indians and becoming the Cleveland Guardians.
PETA president Ingrid Newkirk suggested that the veggie dog be added in an open letter to the team dated Aug. 9.
In the letter, Newkirk wrote: “We hope you’ll take this opportunity to step up to the plate by giving vegan fans someone to cheer for in your Hot Dog Derby and representation in Tribe Hot Dogs’ community outreach.”
PETA has offered to buy the costume for the Derby and to treat all players to veggie dogs, which are, according to the organization, already available at Progressive Field.
When asked about the request, a team spokesperson told Cleveland.com that they didn’t have a comment at this time.
The Indians started the Hot Dog Derby in 2005 as part of the game day experience. Right now, Onion, Mustard and Ketchup are the racers during the on-field events, WLWT reported.
As for the change of the team’s name, the Indians’ moniker will stay through at least 2021, WLWT reported.
Some fans support the addition of a veggie dog, according to fans of the team on cleveland.com’s SubText system. One reader said they are Italian so they want an Italian sausage added to the racing team. Others suggested adding other varieties of healthier hot dogs, saying it would “look like the hot dog marathon.”
But some embrace the change that it would be “good publicity for the team” and “what’s the harm?”
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