Not so Super Tiny Animals?

Here is a copy of the email I have just sent to the ITV press office:

I have already heard lots of people in the welfare world showing grave concern about the upcoming ITV programme about Super Tiny Animals (to be shown Wednesday, 30 November 2011 ITV, 7:30PM - 8:30PM) causing an upsurge in interest in handbag and very small dogs - especially as Christmas is coming. The early evening slot will mean lots of children will be watching the show.

Can I have a quote as to whether the subject will be handled responsibly - will there any reference made to the acquisition of 'handbag dogs' as being a really, really bad idea - or will it be shown as aspirational?

Dogs are an extremely inappropriate fashion accessory as unlike this season's shoes or scarf they can't be pushed to the back of the wardrobe when your idol changes their look. Dogs are sentient beings and should never be bought on impulse as they can easily live 15 years or more and have normal doggie needs and demands no matter how big or small.

The Handbag dog craze has put quite a burden on an already over-stretched rescue system. Britain now has 10.5 million dogs almost double the population of 40 years ago.

Dogs Trust recently went into partnership with Nintendo to make the point that the only dog in your handbag should be a Computer game and that dog ownership is a huge commitment - a message endorsed by the Saturdays. Last year a teenage boy bought a Pomeranian to go with his Christmas outfit and by the New Year his mother had brought the poor little thing into the Dogs Trust for rehoming. Rescue is already full to bursting before Christmas and the last thing we need is a load more people pestering for a handbag dog for Xmas.

Please can I have a statement from the programme makers to assure the animal welfare world that this documentary will not glorify 'handbag' dogs or encourage people to breed extremely small dogs - which in itself has serious health implications.

A copy of this email is on my blog and I would be grateful for a swift response as the rescue world is already beleaguered.

Yours sincerely

Beverley Cuddy
Editor & Publisher

Blue Cross have just issued this statement:

We have seen the number of 'handbag' dogs coming into the charity triple in the past five years so it is definitely something which seems to be a growing concern.

Julie Bedford, head of behaviour at The Blue Cross, said: “We hope that anyone watching the programme will realise you should never get an animal to follow a trend, or for the way it looks. Anyone considering taking on a pet should fully research the breed and its needs to make sure they can give it the happy and fulfilled life it deserves.

“We have seen first-hand the danger of fashion trends with the huge increase in unwanted 'handbag dogs' coming into The Blue Cross.  Dogs like chihuahuas and pomeranians are great pets but they need to be given the stimulation and exercise they need to keep them happy and healthy.  These are little dogs with big personalities and like any pet they must be taken on for the right reasons, not just as a fashion accessory." 

Dogs Trust have also been in touch with ITV and the kennel Club. 

As yet we have received no reponse from ITV.

The BVA have just sent this email, too... people are getting more and more concerned about this programme...


We are concerned that the forthcoming programme ‘Super Tiny Animals’ to be broadcast on Wednesday 30 November 7.30pm-8.30pm, which comes in the run-up to Christmas, might possibly have the potential to encourage people to buy pets such as ‘handbag’ dogs, micro-pigs or exotic species such as mini marmosets, without their giving full consideration to the huge responsibility and lifetime commitment that comes with pet ownership.

We note in the publicity for the programme that it seeks to find out whether the mini-pet industry is ‘a lucrative business or a cruel genetic mutation’.  Given that the programme is also billed as ‘probing and insightful’ we very much hope that sufficient emphasis will be given not only to the demands and difficulties of owning these mini-pets but to the serious welfare needs of these animals.

Sadly there is growing trend for people to buy animals as fashion accessories or status symbols and indeed it is all too easy to take on a pet without realising the responsibilities for the care and welfare of that animal.  Pets are not disposable commodities.  People must understand their obligations under the Animal Welfare Act and, with so many of our animal rescue and re-homing charities stretched to the limit of their resources, we share a responsibility to draw attention to the enormous responsibility and long-term commitment that comes with pet ownership.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Helena


Helena Cotton
Media & International Affairs Officer
British Veterinary Association