HomeANIMAL PLANET TAKES A DIVE!
Although the Animal Planet network airs many shows that highlight the positive and wondrous qualities of animals, a recent special contradicted this good nature. Below is information regarding this transgression, taken from an email alert sent by the animal welfare media-watch group, Dawn Watch:
(***ALSO, SEE MY SAMPLE PROTEST EMAIL DOWN BELOW!***)
On Tuesday, August 1st, Animal Planet’s "PLANET’S FUNNIEST VIDEOS" included a video of the Tim Rivers "Diving Mule."
In this act, a mule climbs onto a ramp, thirty feet high and jumps into a pool of water six-feet deep. There is much controversy around the act. A 1994 statewide injunction prevents Rivers from performing "mule-diving" in Illinois. Shows were canceled recently in Buffalo when Rivers refused to allow veterinarians from the ASPCA to view and assess the performance.
This is how the Dublin Evening Herald have described the show, "A terrified mule plunges from a 30 ft-high platform at a sick fairground show. With one kick from the elephant hide boots of cowboy Tim Rivers, the panic-stricken animal is forced to walk the plank before toppling into just 6 ft of water. Shocked spectators watched the beast fight for breath as it suffered 30 seconds of terror."
One activist says that she has personally viewed video of an electric probe being used on the animals, video which was shown in court in order to have the act banned in Florida.
Animal Planet takes questions and comments at:
Since this is a comment center for all of Discovery, please indicate that you are referring to "Planet’s Funniest Videos." Let them know how you feel about the Tim Rivers "Diving Mule" appearance.
***SAMPLE EMAIL:
As an Animal Planet fan, I was upset to learn that your show, "Planet’s Funniest Videos," included tape of a "diving mule" exhibition. This offensive depiction of a terrified creature being forced to perform a dangerous act is hardly entertaining, let alone "funny." I am shocked that a network that purports to showcase the splendor of the natural world and foster respect for our animal neighbors would condone such a patently abusive display of animal exploitation.
I have lost some of my admiration for your otherwise fabulous network. I hope that in the future your programming directors will carefully consider which shows to air, and will display more caution and compassion in their choices.
Christina J. Johnson
123 Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001
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