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mrr...
animal planet has officially pushed me too far. i had to speak out.
I am an 18 year old ferret owner living in Nevada, and I have a comment regarding a piece recently on "The Planet's Funniest Animals". Footage of ferrets attempting to jump out of a basket was used in a mock commercial called "Jumping Ferrets". This, in and of itself, I have no problem with. However, the voiceover near the end of the sketch referred to ferrets as "disease-carrying".
I would like to point out that it is rumors such as this that cause places such as California and Hawaii to ban ferrets, and the ferret-uneducated to ask why I would want such a horrible animal as a pet. Ferrets, at least here in Nevada, are required by law to receive rabies and distemper shots, just like any dog or cat. I have heard no comments referring to dogs or cats as diseased on your show.
Even further, ferrets, if infected with rabies, would develop the dumb kind, rather than the aggressive sort commonly associated with dogs, and would perish before the disease was concentrated enough in their saliva to even be passed to a human.
I understand that much of the humor in your show comes from stereotypes, but this is one that cannot be promoted. Call ferrets hyperactive, "carpet sharks", bizarre, or even something kind such as adorable. But please, refrain from calling them "disease-carrying" and playing off of their unfortunate banning in certain places when dogs and cats are no less dangerous or suseptible to disease.
It's hard enough to educate people about ferrets, how they don't just viciously attack, and how they aren't filthy germ-hotels without shows such as yours - focusing especially on animals - spreading falsities and rumors. Please think twice before slandering this wonderful pet, who is just as healthy, kind, playful, and lovable as any dog or cat.
Thank you.
i'll post the response as well once i get one. if i get one...
I am an 18 year old ferret owner living in Nevada, and I have a comment regarding a piece recently on "The Planet's Funniest Animals". Footage of ferrets attempting to jump out of a basket was used in a mock commercial called "Jumping Ferrets". This, in and of itself, I have no problem with. However, the voiceover near the end of the sketch referred to ferrets as "disease-carrying".
I would like to point out that it is rumors such as this that cause places such as California and Hawaii to ban ferrets, and the ferret-uneducated to ask why I would want such a horrible animal as a pet. Ferrets, at least here in Nevada, are required by law to receive rabies and distemper shots, just like any dog or cat. I have heard no comments referring to dogs or cats as diseased on your show.
Even further, ferrets, if infected with rabies, would develop the dumb kind, rather than the aggressive sort commonly associated with dogs, and would perish before the disease was concentrated enough in their saliva to even be passed to a human.
I understand that much of the humor in your show comes from stereotypes, but this is one that cannot be promoted. Call ferrets hyperactive, "carpet sharks", bizarre, or even something kind such as adorable. But please, refrain from calling them "disease-carrying" and playing off of their unfortunate banning in certain places when dogs and cats are no less dangerous or suseptible to disease.
It's hard enough to educate people about ferrets, how they don't just viciously attack, and how they aren't filthy germ-hotels without shows such as yours - focusing especially on animals - spreading falsities and rumors. Please think twice before slandering this wonderful pet, who is just as healthy, kind, playful, and lovable as any dog or cat.
Thank you.
i'll post the response as well once i get one. if i get one...