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Animal Planet plans to launch a quarterly series of investigative documentaries called "Animal Planet Investigates" about animal cruelty.

Inspired by Animal Planet's special “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case” the networks VP Marjorie Kaplan said “We thought the Michael Vick special would do well, but we were blown away by how well it did out of the gate. We looked at those, as well as the success of something like ‘Whale Wars,’ and were moved the the passion our audience has for these kind of things. Rather than do them on an adhoc basis, we decided to curate a series of specials.”

Topics covered int he series will include animal testing, the exotic pet trade, gang dogs, cloning and slaughterhouses.
www.takepart.com/news/2009/07/29/animal-planet-investigates-animal-cruelty/

And look who it is going to be featuring,
www.humanesociety.org/about/departments/hollywood/animal_planet_investigates_120309.html

ya know, perhaps this may be where HSUS gets their pants on fire... Interesting article regarding HSUS and their work in the MO dog fight raids.
HSUS raises hackles...

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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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Thanks for posting this link (HSUS raises hackles...), Cindy!

While reading the Comments to the above article, I came across this link:

How do I file a complaint against a nonprofit?

which describes how to file a complaint, with the IRS, against a non-profit organization.

HSUS has tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) of the US Treasury Code, which states that a 501 (c)(3) 'may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.'

If anyone believes that HSUS or PETA has violated Section 501(c), or that HSUS or PETA have deliberately deceived the public in support their fund raising efforts, perhaps complaints to the IRS might get some results.

A movement to have the IRS revoke the tax-exempt status of HSUS and PETA might hit them where it hurts the most.

Thank you for those links. Something tells me they will come in handy very soon. Just contacted NPR and hope that helps.

WOW! Animal Planet = HSUS/PETA TV! Boycott!
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Noah was the first snake collector. ~Eric~

Not surprising. Honestly, Animal Planet has been going downhill since Steve Irwin died. Fewer and fewer documentaries, more and more shows about animal abuse, animal attacks, DOGS (good lord I don't know how long they are going to beat that dead horse--these shows endorse "breedism", teaching your dog REALLY dumb tricks, and how well a British woman can patronize crappy dog owners). I have had a feeling HSUS/PETA have had their hands in this station for a while anyway with all te "animal cops" shows, now the animal attack shows (which, coincidentally, show a large number of large constrictors biting their owners, mostly SFE's, but still perpetuating stereotypes--just check out "untamed and uncut" sometime). I propose that we all petition animal planet to air something that shows reptile people in a positive light--hey, why not air the documentary "herpers"? Their willingness to air such a thing would be a good litmus test as to whether or not the AR groups run them or not. Certainly a helluva lot more interesting to watch than all those stupid dog shows too.....

That weird lady that said she could communicate with animals? Why was her first question always "what's it's name"? You're the psychic...ASK IT WHAT IT'S NAME IS!!!!

Good one! LOL
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Noah was the first snake collector. ~Eric~

from somebody at Animal Planet. This is what it said:

"...I hope this email finds you at a convenient moment. My name is ---- and I am developing a series for Animal Planet about people who are drawn to and spend their lives with exotic animals. I believe a colleague of mine, ----- may have contacted you nearly a year ago about the same project! The main focus of the documentary is to look into the appeal of keeping wild/exotic animals, and understanding where that passion comes from. We are looking for someone who can explain the close bond that can be established between owner and animal, the hardwork involved, and the specialist knowledge that I imagine is absolutely required to keep safe..."

I sent them some info about a hobbyist in our herp society whom I think would represent us well. They want a hobbyist, not a breeder / dealer. I am sure they must have sent out the same email to many others, as well.