Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership > NetSparsh

Home
>
Pet
>
Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

What makes something news? The fact that you take good care of your pets isn't newsworthy. Neither is your recent trip to the supermarket; If something is normal, it isn't news. Only aberrations capture our attention enough to warrant screen time. Why is murder reported on the six-o-clock news? Because it's unusual; it's a shocking deviation from routine events. But when we are repeatedly exposed to the abnormal, it begins to seem normal. If we see murder on the news every night, we begin to view it as a common occurrence. This naturally leads to fear of falling victim ourselves, thus we start buying guns and installing security systems. As Gavin de Becker writes, "We're hard-wired to entertain every thought of danger that's put in front of us."

How do you hold the attention of a nation that just watched a war fought on live television? You start looking for tiger attacks.

Before rushing to judgement on exotic cat owners based on a few negative headlines, we might be wise to realize that we only get to read about the horror stories.... News stories about responsible people and happy animals don't sell.

When judging any group, whether it is a nation, race, religion, profession, or demographic, we must look at the primary values and behavior of that group. When we base our opinions on the well-publicized negative incidents involving only certain members of that group, we risk reaching incorrect conclusions.

Just because certain individuals have betrayed the core values of that group does not mean that the whole group should be frowned upon. Unfortunately this happens far too frequently. We live in a world of 30-second news bites and a continuous bombardment of information. We are kept "informed" of a dizzying array of issues; so many; in fact that it would be impossible for us to truly research all of the issues we are confronted with. We make thousands of snap judgements, based on news broadcasts, (fictional) scenes in movies, comments made by strangers in a restaurant or friends at work, what happened to the first cousin of a friend of your dad's, that magazine at the dentist's office, and other equally reliable sources of information.

Years ago, the viewing public was treated to a videotaped broadcast of a group of Los Angeles police officers severely beating Rodney King. What this isolated group of officers did provoked a backlash against the entire law enforcement community, as people reacted by condemning the entire police profession. If people would have simply looked at the core values of the law enforcement profession, they would have realized that the majority of police officers would risk their own lives to protect them from the sort of violence portrayed on that tape. Of course there are some thugs, some thieves, and some murderers in that group. With the large number of officers in this country how could there not be? The broadcast led many people to distrust the police officer next door, judging an entire group consisting of hundreds of thousands of people by one single incident.

We also need to take a hard look at the accuracy of the information we are basing our judgements on. Let's turn to Rodney King again. The incident was caught on videotape and you watched it with your own eyes. Can't ask for more reliable information than that, can you? Well, did you know that the tape you saw was edited? That shots showing King fighting the officers and of the officers' frantic commands to King to stop fighting were cut from the tape?

Today, that infamous video is shown in police training classes for two reasons; to show bad police work, and to point out the damage that can be done when someone only wants to show part of the story.

On April 29, 2003 Environmental News Service reported that nine tiger and two leopard cubs were rescued from a private home where carcasses of some 30 tigers and 58 cubs were found. This lead to the arrests of the operators of the California nonprofit organization Tiger Rescue. The article quotes Michael Markarian, President of The Fund for Animals: "The plight of these babies demonstrates why people who care about animals must boycott the exotic pet industry as well as commercial animal displays that often pass themselves off as sanctuaries." He also states: "Congress can save young tigers and leopards from this cruel fate by passing the Exotic Pets Bill."

Click here to read the article.

Heart-wrenching, isn't it? What this article and others like it failed to mention is that California is one of the most heavily regulated states in the country. Private ownership of all exotic pets is banned. Sanctuaries must comply with an extensive permit process. Far from proving the need for legislation, this sad incident highlights the utter failure of ban laws to prevent cruelty.

The Tiger Rescue sanctuary operators allegedly failed to acquire required permits and violated animal cruelty laws. If laws are the answer, why did this happen? If atrocities like this can occur in a state so heavily regulated that one cannot legally own even a ferret, what is the justification for barring responsible exotic pet ownership? The Fund for Animals' use of this incident to tug at people's emotions and mislead them into supporting destructive legislation is despicable manipulation. We need to enforce our animal cruelty laws, not ban loving and law-abiding citizens from owning animals.

This article is written and copyrighted by Jessi Clark-White. Permission is granted to reprint this article in its entirety only; you may not display edited versions.

For more information on the responsible ownership of wild and exotic cats, visit my website http://www.exoticcatz.com

In The News:

Jaguar launches pet-friendly accessories: Safest, most stress free experience for your pets! The Financial ExpressJaguar has good news for dog lovers! Travelling with pets can be challenging in vehicles and hence, Jaguar has now come up with specially designed ...

The most dangerous holiday items for pets that AREN'T poinsettias NEWS10 ABCWhat is it about Christmas that makes cats and dogs a little crazy?

Letters to dvm360: Views on homeless pet ownership, 'tech' vs. 'nurse,' associate challenges and more dvm360I am not advocating for more homeless people owning pets, but in response to “Can you believe that homeless guy owns a pet?!” by Dr. Mike Paul, I'd like to add ...

Helping Paws program delivering pet food, vet services to more senior centers Daily Local NewsCOATESVILLE—Henry's Helping Paws Program, the initiative founded by state Senator Andy Dinniman and his wife, Margo, to keep people and their pets ...

Verify: Are poinsettias deadly to pets? THV11.com KTHVIt's a common belief that poinsettias are deadly to cats and dogs, but do pet owners really need to beware?

New app reunites missing pets with owners by using facial recognition ABC NewsA new app that uses innovative, facial recognition is now being used to reunite people with their missing pets. Pet owners can upload a photo of their missing ...

App helps reunite lost pets with owners WPTV.comIf you've ever lost your pet, you can probably recall the panic you felt. But as technology advances, the chances of finding our lost furry friends gets better and ...

Two most dangerous holiday items for pets that AREN'T poinsettias WFLAWhat is it about Christmas that makes cats and dogs a little crazy?

Photos: These pets are looking for a home at the York County SPCA York Daily Record/Sunday NewsLooking for a new friend? The York County SPCA has animals ready for adoption and looking for a forever home. From dogs to bunnies, take a look through this ...

Letters: Pets on the rampage | The Bellingen Courier SunTwo letters in response to last week's one about sheep being killed.

Microchip your pets for free Wednesday KXLY SpokaneSPOKANE, Wash. - You can get your cat or dog microchipped for free Wednesday at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection *Service* (SCRAPS).

ARF’s Pets and Vets program receives $25,000 grant from Purina The Mercury NewsThe Pets and Vets program at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Purina, which it will use to ...

Granite Kitchen: Handmade treats make the perfect gift for pets The Union LeaderNearly every household in my neighborhood has a dog, including mine. A couple of my neighbors have pugs, a few houses down lives a Husky and a fancy ...

Ask the Vet: Christmas decorations that could be dangerous for your pets WDSU New OrleansIt's Christmas season, and there are several precautions you need to take to make sure those holiday decorations aren't too dangerous for your pet.

Photos: Cute and Furry: Adoptable pets at Forever Paws Fall River Herald NewsAre you looking for a pet? The Herald News would like to help its friends at Forever Paws by showing off a few pets each week that are ready for their forever ...

IACS kicks off '12 Days of Strays' promotion for featured adoptable pets WTHRIndianapolis Animal Care Services is officially kicking off its '12 Days of Strays' promotion starting today, in hopes of finding "fur-ever" homes for some of the ...

Several Pets Found Day After Massive Fire At Overbrook Apartment Building CBS PhillyFollow CBSPHILLY Facebook | Twitter. PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Most of the people who lived in an Overbrook apartment building lost everything within minutes ...

Livingston County pet cemetery closure leaves pet owners wondering what's next WDIV ClickOnDetroitHeavenly Acres Pet Cemetery in Livingston County closed, leaving many pet owners upset and wondering if they need to dig up their pet's grave this winter.

Adoptable pets of the week: Debbie, Staley, Dallas, Daisy The State Journal-RegisterAdoptable pets of the week: Here are this week's Animal Protective League pets of the week. For more information on these and other animals available for ...

These Southland pets need new homes Chicago TribuneArea shelters should send photos, pet descriptions, and address and contact information to Paul Eisenberg at [email protected] with “Pets of the Week” ...

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals! Show us your Xmas pets Stuff.co.nzChristmas is about people coming together to celebrate, and some Kiwi families can't help but involve their pets in the festivities. Here's a snapshot of the furry ...

Photos: Adoptable pets at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Albany Times UnionMore than 100 cats, dogs, mice, Guinea Pigs and rabbits are looking for homes this December. Click through the slideshow to meet them all. For up-to-date ...

Bond between humans and their pets can be remarkable - The Advocate-Messenger Danville AdvocateYou have read 0 of 8 articles. Log In or Subscribe. By HELEN PALMER. K9 Corner. There have been many articles written about the “human-animal bond.

Who gets the dog in the divorce? Enter the pet prenup. GMAWho gets the family pet is such a hot topic that some couples are turning to pet prenuptial agreements to ensure who gets custody in the event of a break-up.

Dogs, cats and a rat- oh my: Adoptable pets in Tucson Arizona Daily StarThese pets need a home and some love - Do you have extra room?

Firefighters rescue pet ferrets from apartment fire nbc16.comEUGENE, Ore. - Firefighters rescued 3 pet ferrets from an apartment fire Monday afternoon. The fire at 12:46 p. m. displaced an adult, a child and their pets, the ...

Shelter officials advise discretion when giving pets as presents WQOW TV News 18A pet can be a great addition to your family, but should you give them as gifts this season?

How to Keep Your Pet Cool and Calm Over Summer BroadsheetFrozen treats, paddling pools and multiple bowls of water are some tips. And maybe it's time for a cool new haircut?

Pets get free photos with Santa at PetSmart WFLANeed a family photo to show off your holiday cheer? If your family members have fur and four legs, you can get one for free.

Fire forces family of seven, two pets out of home before Christmas WTKR News 3A fire forced a family of seven out of their home in the 400 block of Elmont Road just two weeks before Christmas.

5th edition of Pet Fed festival to encourage adoption of Indie breeds Business StandardThe 5th edition of Pet Fed, a festival for pets and pet lovers, will focus on encouraging people into adopting Indie breeds of dogs and cats instead of shopping for ...

12 days of SPCA Christmas pets: Meet Teddy, the guinea pig from Masterton Stuff.co.nzOnce again, Stuff is working with SPCA New Zealand over the Christmas season to share with you 12 potential pets from across the country who are eagerly ...

Ardmore vet sees increase in untimely allergies in pets Daily ArdmoreiteIf your dogs are sniffling, coughing or sneezing, they aren't the only ones. Local veterinarian Dr. Cade Wilson said that while it's far from widespread, he's seen ...

Got an ailing or old pet? Have you considered 'pawspice'? KSAT 12Pet hospice care has become another option for animals in their final days.

RACT urges community to not leave children, pets in cars over summer Tasmania ExaminerWith summer in full-swing, the community is urged not to leave pets and children in cars during the summer months. Between December 1, 2017 and December ...

Cemetery where up to 74,000 pets buried on the market, new owner will decide use of land Livingston DailyThe attorney for the owners of a Genoa Township pet cemetery at the center of controversy since a lease expired in September, and where as many as 74,000 ...

N.J. pets in need: Dec. 10, 2018 NJ.comLast week, I wrote about the money pet owners will spend on gifts for their furry friends this holiday season. But, what are the options for people on a budget -- or, ...

DBCHS Pets of the week, Dec. 12 - The Advocate-Messenger Danville AdvocatePrissy is a beautiful long-haired calico cat. Her coat is mostly white with some gray and oranges patches and she has the most gorgeous green eyes. Poor prissy ...

Five adults and two dogs rescued from Ashwaubenon house fire Tuesday morning Green Bay Press GazetteASHWAUBENON - Five adults and two pets were rescued from the basement of a home Tuesday morning after a fire broke out at a home in the 900 block of ...

Today's Junior anchor loves pets and drawing WBIR.comJunior anchor Savannah Finley is 11 years old. She is part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and loves to work with animals.

Wanda is waiting on Cosmo and 4 other adoptable pets in the Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley The Pasadena Star-NewsWanda, 6-year-old domestic short hair Bombay mix cat, is available for adoption at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society. The chocolate brown girl is beautiful ...

Protect pets from the bitter cold this holiday season WDIV ClickOnDetroitWe want to help this pet find a home for the holidays and we're talking about how to protect pets from the bitter winter cold.

Top tips for a happy Christmas with your pets from Narooma Dog Training Club Narooma NewsKeeping pets happy and healthy this festive season.

Pets missing after snow storm WWBT NBC12 NewsAll local jurisdictions have procedures for reporting lost and found pets. Check with animal control in your area.

El Paso animal shelter offering free pet adoptions KVIA El PasoThe city's animal shelter wants to give pets a home for the holidays, and they need help.

Protect your pets, plants! Winter chill brings widespread frost across Central Florida | WFTV WFTV Orlando“The chill remains today with most of our high temperatures staying in the 50s. We'll be 15 to 20 degrees below average,” Severe Weather Center meteorologist ...

Looking at The CBD Pet Market Opportunity: Canopy Growth Corporation, CannTrust Holdings, EnviroTechnologies International (OTC:ETII), Isodiol International Associated PressPOINT ROBERTS, Wash. and DELTA, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investorideas.com, a leading investor news resource covering ...

‘The system is clearly abused’: Why 2018 was a terrible year for emotional support pets on planes Yahoo LifestyleSome experts argue that the model of "emotional support pet" is being abused, whereas others say the benefits outweigh the costs.

Addison family loses everything in fire, including 6 pets MyTwinTiers.comA family in Addison is left with nothing after a fire destroys their home and claims the lives of their 6 pets.

Dog rescued from house fire in Cowlitz Co., two other pets didn't survive KPTV.comCOWLITZ COUNTY, WA (KPTV) - A dog was rescued from a house fire on Tuesday.

Aggressive vs. palliative: Veterinary decision trees for pet cancer dvm360These basic algorithms provide every veterinarian a framework for diagnosing cancer and deciding with pet owners on the right course of treatment for a cure, ...

Looking for a boarding kennel for your pet? Prices vary WTOPNew evaluations of Washington, D.C. area kennels show prices to board a pet for a week can vary by more than $500, according to a local consumers' group.

Adorable Michigan pets in Christmas and holiday costumes: Show us yours MLive.comCheck out these adorable Michigan pets decked out in their Christmas and holiday outfits. We want to see yours, too!

12 days of SPCA Christmas pets: Meet Charlie, the rooster from Wellington Stuff.co.nzHe's got some good bunny mates at the SPCA, but this rooster would really prefer a home in the country.

Keeping pets protected in cold weather Live 5 News WCSCTemperatures are going to be frigid this weekend and it's important to keep our pets protected.

Gifts for Pets and Pet Lovers GlamourHere are 30 holiday gifts for pets and pet lovers that'll earn you tons of cuddles and licks, from chew toys and grooming items to clothing and accessories.

DC Debates Legalizing Hedgehogs as Pets NBC4 WashingtonLawmakers in the area have been considering whether African pygmy hedgehogs should be allowed as pets.

Pet Store Owner, Nephew Indicted For Possessing Illegal Animals Levittown, NY PatchPet Store Owner, Nephew Had Illegal Animals: DA - Levittown, NY - The pair were buying reptiles in Florida and selling them in New York, where they were ...

Two people and pets rescued from two-alarm fire in Kenner WWLTV.comKENNER, La. – Firefighters rescued two people and their pets from a two-alarm fire at an apartment complex in Kenner Monday night. According to the City of ...

Man, 3 pets, escape early morning Berkeley County fire ABC NEWS 4BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — A man and three of his pets were able to escape a fire that consumed a mobile home on Compton Drive early Monday ...

The Biggest Trends In The Pet Industry ForbesThe pet industry has seen explosive growth, especially among young, independent brands. These trends are what's happening now in the industry and these ...

These adorable pets need new homes! WCVB BostonHave room in your home and heart for one (or two!) of these adorable, deserving pets? They're waiting to meet you at MSPCA-Boston!

Holiday treats to avoid for your pets WNDU-TVNearly all dogs love treats. And at Christmastime, many pet owners are looking for the best way to spoil their furry friend.

Pets enrich lives at Sauk Rapids assisted living facility St. Cloud TimesPets have been shown to improve the physical and mental health of their owners.

Pets as Christmas gift invites a disastrous outcome Toledo BladeThe holiday season brings a flurry of feel-good commercials of kids overwhelmed with joy from a puppy or kitten given as a Christmas gift. However, the ...

Mngxitama says killing whites and their pets is a response to Johann Rupert CitizenBlack First Land First (BLF) leader Andile Mngxitama briefs media at BLF Head Office in Johannesburg, 11 November 2018, on why BLF calls for 5 Whites for ...

Family pets killed in Union Co. fire 14 News WFIE EvansvilleUNION CO., KY (WFIE) - Uniontown Fire Department and Union County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a structure fire on Buckman Lane Sunday morning.

SPCA: Tips to protect your pet from freezing temperatures WRAL.comThe SPCA of Wake County is asking pet owners to protect their pets from the harsh temperatures expected this week.

Pets, people enjoy the snow WRAL.comPeople and pets headed outside to enjoy the snow on Dec. 9, 2018.

Montreal sisters distribute supplies to help homeless and their pets CTV NewsA recent story about a homeless person's dog freezing to death has galvanized two Montreal sisters to help both people and animals stay warm on the streets ...

More Than 800 Pets Find New Homes for the Holidays NBC 5 Dallas-Fort WorthMore than 800 pets found a new home for the holidays after the weekend-long Mega Adoption Event in Fort Worth, according to the Humane Society of North ...

New Owner To Decide Fate Of Pets In Cemetery WHMIAn attorney for owners of a closed Livingston County pet cemetery says the property is being put up for sale and a new owner will eventually determine the site's ...

PAWS Chicago extends hours for 2-day adoption marathon; More than 100 pets need homes WLS-TVPAWS Chicago is holding its 11th annual Holiday Adopt-a-Thon this Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 at its Lincoln Park adoption center, located ...

Valley couple starts toy drive for shelter pets FOX 10 News PhoenixOne Valley couple had an idea to start a toy drive for shelter pets, creating the Santa Paws Project.

Pet groomer charged with animal cruelty again, 36 animals removed from home Kitsap SunPORT ORCHARD -- A pet groomer charged in 2001 with animal cruelty for keeping 264 animals at a Chico-area house was charged again Friday after ...

Forever Pets KCBDForever Pets is a monthly segment featuring adoptable pets brought to you by KCBD, South Plains Veterinary Clinic, and Lubbock Animal Services.

Avoiding holiday pet hazards: Tips to keep your furry companion safe KTSM News Channel 9While enjoying holiday festivities make sure to include your furry companions in your plans.

Sheriff looking for answers after two family pets killed KWCHThe Douglas County Sheriff's Office needs the public's help figuring out what happened to two family pets killed this week.

Best Friends Animal Society encourages people to adopt homeless pets this holiday season KUTV 2News(KUTV) -- Best Friends Animal Society wants people to save the life of a homeless pet this holiday season. Best Friends Animal Society is encouraging families ...

WATCH: 5 pets the internet loved in 2018 Business Insider South AfricaFrom a dog that rides a horse to a squirrel who thinks he's a puppy, the internet fell in love with these precious pets in 2018.

8 pets who inherited a fortune INSIDERSometimes dogs and cats are left with millions of dollars. Here are some pets who inherited a big fortune from their wealthy owners.

Cape Girardeau County, MO fire claims family pets KFVSCAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, MO (KFVS) - Gordonville Fire Protection District responded to a fire on State highway 74 on Sunday, Dec. 9. Deputies on scene ...

Pets make great Christmas gifts, if you do it the right way QuartzHave you thought about adopting a new pet for Christmas? Far from dismissing the idea, animal welfare groups now support the practice of gifting a pet for ...

Veterinarian answers viewers' pet questions - WISC Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3Dr. Jim Orvick from the Oregon Veterinary Clinic takes questions on News 3 at Noon from viewers.

Louisville animal shelter reaches capacity, waiving fees for owners to claim pets WLKY LouisvilleThe Louisville Metro Animal Shelter is full and waiving fees for anyone wanting to reclaim their animals.

More than 30 pets from house fire handed over to humane society ABC17News.comMore than 30 pets were handed over to the Central Missouri Humane Society on Monday after they were found in small cages, covered in urine and feces, the ...

Fire destroys Pottstown home, kills 2 pets | News | pottsmerc.com The MercuryPOTTSTOWN — A two-alarm fire broke out at a home in the 1400 block of Cherry Lane around 1 p.m. Sunday, according to reports.

Adopt a pet: Oklahoma City-area pet adoption options NewsOK.comAdopt a pet: Oklahoma City-area pet adoption options.

Christmas is a dangerous time for your pets LaSalle News TribuneHave you ever lifted a Christmas turkey out of the roasting pan with “lifting strings” — the cords that come packaged inside a Butterball?

Former Volunteer Firefighter Rescues 10 Pets From House Fire CBS PittsburghFollow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter. APOLLO (KDKA) — A passerby who spotted smoke and flames pouring from a home in Apollo, Armstrong County, rushed ...

Want to Take Your Pet on Your Next Vacation? Here Is What You Need to Know The New York TimesIs it safe? What are the rules? What to pack? The six questions you should ask before you take your pup on a plane.

Fresh frozen meats for pets recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes Food Safety NewsColumbia River Natural Pet Foods is recalling Cow Pie *fresh* frozen meats for dogs and cats because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The b.

It's a party for pets: Christmas Donation Party hosted by Columbia Animal services Abccolumbia.comCOLUMBIA,SC (WOLO)–Looking to fill some stockings for furry friends this Holiday? The Columbia Animal Services is hosting a Christmas donation party and ...

St. Paul considering banning stores from selling pets from puppy and kitten mills KMSP-TVThe city of St. Paul is considering an ordinance that would prevent pet stores from selling pets from puppy and kitten mills.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Holidays The New York TimesWhile the holidays can leave you with a warm, fuzzy glow, they add a lot of things to the daily mix of your life that might not be good for your pets. Whether it's ...

Too Much Vitamin D In Dog Food May Have Poisoned Pets, Spurring Recalls And FDA Alert NPRDog owners are advised to check labels and remain alert to symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, after the FDA issued a warning that it found excessive — and ...

If only they could talk: the psychics who know what your pet is thinking The GuardianShira Plotzker did not set out to become a pet psychic. It just sort of happened. She was sitting at home in Nyack, New York, watching the animal communicator ...

Seven sweet pets you'll want to rehome Dorset EchoSaski. 2 comments. Dorset Echo: I'm a five-year-old sweet lad and I can be very affectionate when I get to know you. I might be able to live with another cat but ...

Fortnite season 7 Battle Pass: all skins, pets, gliders and unlocks PolygonFortnite's new Battle Pass gives you buff Santa, new pets and a giant yeti. Season 7's Battle Pass has 100 tiers of unlockable rewards.

Love Your Pets? Take our Pet Care Survey WashingtonianWashingtonian is updating its guide to pet care—which includes listings of the area's best vets, groomers, petsitters, trainers, dog-walkers, doggie daycares, and ...

Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

Pet Pet