Get ready to cancel your Animal Planet station...

[ER12]

As I have said many, many, many times before on various forums and sites, united we stand, divided we fall. Whether you keep or even like a particular species or not, this will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the public's perception of keeping reptiles, and even exotic animals as a whole. Do not believe for one moment that the AR groups will be satisfied with banning just the big cats and primates. They are against the keeping of ANY exotic or non domesticated species according to HSUS's own website:
“Should Individuals Keep Wild or Exotic Animals as Pets?

No. Wild and exotic (non-native) animals are unsuitable for home rearing and handling. … “

Given all of the existing negative press surrounding reptiles and the federal bills such as S373/HR2811, we do not need even more sensationalized programming from stations such as AP adding fuel to the fire against us. Ever since AP's relaunch a year or two ago, they have been increasingly focused on the sensationalism and fear factor themed shows, as evidenced by their own statement regarding their relaunch. Given this fact I feel I can safely assume that this show too will likely be mostly sensationalized garbage taken straight from the animal rights extremists.
The goal is to move from being perceived by viewers as paternalistic, preachy, and observation-based to being seen as active, entertaining and edgy. That means targeting adults 25-49, rather than full families, with less voice-of-God narration and more visceral imagery and sounds. Think of it as swapping a drab narrator saying that a lion is about to kill its prey for the blood-curdling scream of the doomed creature as it meets its demise.
—Anne Becker, Broadcasting & Cable

That is why I do not like or watch AP anymore and will be considering canceling their channel unless serious changes are made again to their programming. Call my actions harsh or overkill, but I'm not one to simply sit back passively whenever something that affects me come along whether it is legislation or public relations.

I don't really understand what the problem is.

Exotic Mammals are generally dangerous as pets, like large cats and primates. They should not be pets at all IMO. I think venomous reptiles are dangerous as well and are a bit too easy to get on the market for irresponsible owners. I think educated people (even if it takes permits or tests) should have every right to keep them, but it's so difficult to discriminate one exotic pet from another.

Either way, the show is just showing dangers of those 3 types of exotic animals. It doesn't say anything about constrictors, and I'm fine with it. Animal Planet has been known to be incorrect on some of their information in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if it happens again.

[BPelizabeth]

I will watch it and hope that they show both sides. I think unfortunately there are ppl that get lax when they deal with exotic pets....which makes it bad for all of us. I would hope that instead of being NO EXOTICS...they would show that you have to be on your toes at all times, be it with large constrictors...big cats ....hots ....or monkeys. Which personally I don't trust monkeys at all after working with them at the zoo. They scare the crap outta me. The person before me lost use of half of her hand due to a bite.

But again it is a chance that you take working with exotics. I personally would never have a hot in my house. But that is me...with that being said...I think it should be someones personal choice.

Ok...I will jump down from my soapbox now....lol

[ER12]

I'd possibly think the same way except for one fact:There has NEVER been ONE DARN SINGLE DEATH from a venomous reptile kept in captivity in the US EVER, despite hundreds of thousands (possibly even millions?) being kept by keepers both responsible and irresponsible alike.

I wish this statement was correct, but unfortunately there have been documented deaths in the United States.

[blackcrystal22]

I wish this statement was correct, but unfortunately there have been documented deaths in the United States.

I was pretty sure there were as well, that's why I was confused.

I'd possibly think the same way except for one fact:

There has NEVER been ONE DARN SINGLE DEATH from a venomous reptile kept in captivity in the US EVER, despite hundreds of thousands (possibly even millions?) being kept by keepers both responsible and irresponsible alike.

There is no arguing the inherent dangers, but even the most dangerous of dangerous reptiles are safer keeping as pets than just about any other hobby out there.

You can't even use the "danger to the public" argument, as I believe there has never been one instance of a stranger getting hurt by either an escaped large constrictor or venomous reptile.

I would like to know where you get your information from too before you say that there hasn't been a single death in the U.S. from a captive venomous reptile.

I'm not saying I agree with the program, because I don't. I just want to make sure information is straight.

[singingtothewheat]

The fact remains that if a person chooses to keep animals like this and has them properly caged, it should not be anyone else's business. THE ONLY TIME WE GET INTO TROUBLE IS WHEN THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP THEM SCREW UP!

[mainbutter]

I wish this statement was correct, but unfortunately there have been documented deaths in the United States.

hrmph, I had a source bookmarked some time ago, but you're totally right as I've come across a couple sources with this info:

http://www.rexano.org/Statistics/ven...e_fatality.pdf

16 deaths 1990-2008

[BP-NJ]

I agree with the poster who said that education could be extremely helpful in all of this. Leopards are known to be the most untrustworthy of all big cats and absolutely the worst for someone with no exotic cat experience. If that woman had done some research beforehand, it would have been less likely to have happened. The same with hots. No-one should have one for their first snake, IMO. It takes time and experience to get to that level of snake keeping. Here's hoping the programs leave the door open that with education and training it is possible to safely keep exotics as companion animals and not just encourage that they all should be banned.

[icygirl]

Given this fact I feel I can safely assume that this show too will likely be mostly sensationalized garbage taken straight from the animal rights extremists.
The goal is to move from being perceived by viewers as paternalistic, preachy, and observation-based to being seen as active, entertaining and edgy. That means targeting adults 25-49, rather than full families, with less voice-of-God narration and more visceral imagery and sounds. Think of it as swapping a drab narrator saying that a lion is about to kill its prey for the blood-curdling scream of the doomed creature as it meets its demise.
—Anne Becker, Broadcasting & Cable

This is also why I hate the new wildlife shows. I don't want "edgy", I would rather have the truth and learn. That lady probably thinks nature is boring and needs to be "spiced up". But I think that most people who watch nature programs are already fascinated and don't need the extra effects and fear-based shows.

But the entire channel isn't bad. Big Cat Diary and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom are both great shows. Also they play Jeff Corwin, Steve Irwin, and I think David Attenborough sometimes, who are amazing.

[ER12]

I just learned that AP is also airing a two hour show called "Killer Aliens" on the same night. How much is everyone willing to bet that they are going to use the USGS reports, buddy up with Bill Nelson, and ignore the science on this one?

KILLER ALIENS

World Premiere Sunday, March 14, from 8-10 PM (ET/PT)

Welcome to America's invasive species ground zero: Florida. The Sunshine State is overrun by giant rats, lizards, feral hogs and lethal pythons-non-native species that have been imported by humans. Once released, these foreign invaders wreak havoc on a land that is not their own. With no natural predators, their populations continue to spread throughout the state. The front lines are expanding, and no one knows where they are headed next.

[BiggBaddWolf]

hrmph, I had a source bookmarked some time ago, but you're totally right as I've come across a couple sources with this info:

http://www.rexano.org/Statistics/ven...e_fatality.pdf

16 deaths 1990-2008

And we tend to have a coronary whenever the people who want to get rid of our snakes post misinformation!!!