This is a really good point, Pat. I remember I wasn't allowed to play Mortal Kombat when I was little because my parents were worried I would tear someones head off their body with their spine still attached.
I think the thing that separates scenes like in Indiana Jones from murder/violence on TV is that most people KNOW the latter is wrong. But when a kid sees cruelty towards a reptile on TV, something in that gray area may be passed by as "OK", and can so contribute to a general phobia or disregard towards reptiles in the general public.
When was the last time a reptile was portrayed positively in a movie? I can't even think of one....
JonV