Reality TV show overstates its effects?
‘Animal Precinct’ has been on the Animal Planet network for over six years. It follows the work lives of A.S.P.C.A. responders who report animal abuse and aid in enforcing its laws. The show has claimed that it has increased the level of enforcement for animal abuse across the nation and has helped in raising a large sum of money for animal support organizations. But in a NY Times article today, several animal activists say that ‘Animal Precinct’ has less influence than they claim.
“The activists say that beyond the televised successes, the A.S.P.C.A. is struggling to respond to a growing number of cruelty complaints, driven in part by the popularity of the show,” the article states. “Cruelty complaints have risen 70 percent since 2000. Yet the budget for the society’s police force of 18 officers remains small, about 6 percent of the A.S.P.C.A.’s $58 million spending plan.”
So it seems that the very success of the show is to the A.S.P.C.A’s disadvantage.
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