Disgusted with Animal Planet

[chris-uk]

I've just searched to see if this is due to be screened on Animal Planet over here, and it isn't. So either it's just not been exported to Europe yet, or the European channel controllers have some standards. I tend not to watch Animal Planet, but they have the occassional programme that is worthwhile. I've obviously not seen the programme so have no basis for my views other than the responses of others who have seen it.

The blurb from the AP about this programme:

"In the heart of Texas is a little known world where men hunt and capture the continent's most dangerous predator. The Rattlesnake Republic follows the lives and adventures of four teams of brave rattlesnake wranglers as they battle to make a living."

It's not about the animals, it's about the bastards that hunt them down and convince the public that they are dangerous. I've never seen a rattler except from behind glass, and I wouldn't rush to put my hand in a tank with one. But to describe them as the "the continent's most dangerous predator" is just sensationalising cow manure.
I'm pretty sure there are many more deadly animals in the US that don't have a big rattle on their tail to warn you off before they bite you.

I may have a prejudiced view of American TV viewers, but I'd imagine that this programme went down a storm with a whole demographic of viewers.

[chris-uk]

I value an animals life more than I do a humans life or my own.

Some species are bred for feeding people like chickens and cows mainly. But I am absolutely disgusted when wild free roaming animal that wants nothing more than just to survive is killed for sport or food.

They think there is an overpopulation of animals.. what makes them think that? what about humans... this world can use a couple billion less people... only within 60 years 4.5 BILLION more people are alive today, I'd do it for the money :/

Don't get me started on overpopulation... I believe that all too many groups/charities/individuals who "want to save the planet" conveniently ignore the cause of pollution on the planet. It's people encroaching on animals' environments that often puts them into conflict with dangerous wild animals, a few less people and that encroachment would reduce and rattlers wouldn't need to be rounded up.

[Stefan-A]

"Suprisingly human" not even. "Suprisingly inhumane" is more like it.

I remember leaving a comment on their YouTube channel page sarcastically thanking them for providing entertainment for zoosadists. That was over Man vs. Wild and the beating to death of a large boa in one of the videos they posted.

But that was probably over a year ago.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

AP has gone down the tubes BIG TIME. From what I understand, their agenda has been taken over and is the work of HSUS (one of our biggest enemies). The anniversary of Steve Irwin's death passed not too long ago... he is the man that made that channel. What did they do to honor him this year?? NOTHING!!! Not even sure if he got an honorable mention. AP is all about sensationalism now... it's all a bunch of crap made to feed the sheeple. They will not listen to us... the entire reptile community has been pelting animal planet for a while now. It falls on deaf ears, the same way that HSUS blocks and deletes any commenting on their website that does not agree with THEIR agenda. Matter of fact, I can't believe this topic has taken this long to surface here!

Growing up, I always loved to watch animal planet because it was where I could learn all about awesome animals from every part of the planet and see all kinds of interesting footage. Now.... well gee... it's all about PEOPLE and their interactions with animals. And a lot of it is negative... like that hogwash show about infestations... and of course the rubbish about the super hybrid python that is going to take over the everglades and eat your children!!!

I value an animals life more than I do a humans life or my own.

Some species are bred for feeding people like chickens and cows mainly. But I am absolutely disgusted when wild free roaming animal that wants nothing more than just to survive is killed for sport or food.

They think there is an overpopulation of animals.. what makes them think that? what about humans... this world can use a couple billion less people... only within 60 years 4.5 BILLION more people are alive today, I'd do it for the money :/

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking wild game from a sustainable population for FOOD (I do not agree with any killing for sport). I have seen the way grocery store meats get processed.... and I will pass. Those perdue chickens suffer immensely pitiful lives (completely in the dark too) prior to slaughter and their their carcasses are handled by machines and bathed in ammonia and other chemicals... I will stick to grass-fed animals raised on an actual farm and the wild deer that roam here freely!

[BUSHSNAKE]

anyone catch Dr Meade(i think thasts how you spell his name)on this program?....anyone know who he is? if you dont you should.

[chris-uk]

TV documentaries have been looking for a Steve Irwin replacement for years now - you know, characters who are good on camera and interact with animals. They've gone the wrong way, they're finding characters, but they're characters who don't give two hoots about the animals.

[Char361979]

I'm actively avoiding watching a progamme of the same ilk which is due to start over here on bio "Billy the Exterminator"
About - Billy the Exterminator on Bio.
Look at the way the man dresses and presents himself, jeez!! The trailers anger me. Lots of talk about "pest snakes". I'm going to start my own pest control company but I will exterminate bigots, racists, drains on resourses and most of all those who seek to harm defensless animals. If you want to iradicate the worlds most dangerous preditor (to man and animals) start with the human race.... I'm a very angry bunny!!!!!

[guidofatherof5]

Reptiles just can get a break.
We have "Swap People" and now we have "Rattlesnake Republic".
I also watched "Call of the Wild Man" This is about a guy that catches animals with his bare hands.
Watching him reminded me of a Youtube video I once saw. The video showed this idiot cleaning snapping turtles out of farm ponds.
Swinging them around by their tails(which injures the tail) and throwing them on shore. No regard for the animal at all. It's the same guy.
I must say I am biased with regards to this guy since I have Tank(Common Snapping Turtle) living with my family.
Animal Planet finds this guy, cleans up how he does some things and gives him his own show.
So much of what they do is staged. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see it.
All about ratings, advertisers and the bottomline MONEY.
At the price of these exploided and abused animals.
Shame on you Discovery Channel.
This is cruelty to animals plain and simple but wait it's reptiles, never mind.

[guidofatherof5]

I'm just guessing but I bet Animal Planet would never take the side of the baby Harp Seal hunters.

[guidofatherof5]

anyone catch Dr Meade(i think thasts how you spell his name)on this program?....anyone know who he is? if you dont you should.

Couldn't find anything on this guy Joe.
Any chance you can locate some info. and post it?