Let’s start with one of the most popular sitcoms of the '90s—Friends. In the first season, Ross keeps a capuchin monkey named Marcel, but it’s impossible to provide the necessary conditions for wild animals at home—in the end, Ross has to give Marcel to a zoo. Later, Ross saw Marcel in a commercial on TV. Animals aren’t actors: exploiting them in films and commercials is inhumane. Do you know what PETA suggests to filmmakers when they need animals in their stories?
In reality, PETA urges filmmakers to use modern technology rather than exploit animals in film production. By using these techniques, realistic animated animals can be created without exploiting real animals. Examples include films like The Lion King (2019), The Jungle Book (2016), and The Chronicles of Narnia.
TV shows are also starting to use CGI, though not always replacing real animals with them. Even in the CGI-heavy Game of Thrones, the direwolves were played by real animals. In the 2000s series H2O: Just Add Water, special effects were only used to transform people into mermaids, while the dolphins were real. So, what do you think is the most humane way to get closer to these cetaceans?
There are public research initiatives for the study and conservation of marine mammals that involve volunteers along with scientists. For example, the Ionian Dolphin Project invites volunteers to “observe bottlenose dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea to help scientists combat the main threats to them.” Ukrainian scientist Maria Pavlovska predicts that after the war is won, volunteers in Ukraine will also be involved in collecting scientific data on the flora and fauna of the Black Sea coast, including dolphins.
The British royal family could also have a tradition of saving marine mammals, considering that these monarchs owned ships like HMY Britannia for centuries. However, as we see in the series The Crown, they had a completely different, cruel tradition—hunting. In the fourth season, we observe the killing of a deer—fortunately, an animated one, as PETA advocates. We invite you to reflect on this: what non-obvious problem does hunting cause?
Hunting disrupts the natural balance. For example, in the U.S., there are too many white-tailed deer; in Italy, wild boars; in England, muntjacs. Humans have exterminated some predators and spread non-native species beyond their natural habitats. The proliferation of weapons is also a consequence of hunting, but it’s a more obvious one. For instance, in 2022, the head of the Ukrainian Association of Gun Owners, Heorhiy Uchaikin, mentioned that the sale of weapons is in a “gray area.” Formally, stores mostly sell hunting weapons, but how can we control what they are actually utilized for?
Once, the witch sisters from the series Charmed almost became hunted themselves. Piper's blood ended up in a hospital where experiments on monkeys were being conducted. As a result, the animals gained magical abilities. But in the real world, product testing on animals causes injuries and death. So, what alternatives are there for testing the safety of these substances?
Animal testing is no longer the only way to ensure that cosmetics or household chemicals are safe for humans. Scientists conduct reliable
in vitro tests on biological samples (including human cells and tissues) or even use mathematical models and computer simulations.
Just a quick advertising: because what’s a TV show without a break and some snacks? However, we suggest donating to our account for UAnimals' sterilization missions instead. After all, sterilization saves millions of unborn animals from suffering and life on the streets. Did we convince you?
You can support UAnimals here. The team rescues animals from the war by evacuating them from frontline areas, sterilizing local cats and dogs, and delivering medicine and food.
Thank you for your support and willingness to help animals!
Next up is the Ukrainian series To Catch the Kaidash. In one episode, Motria initially buried newborn puppies but eventually came to her senses and tried to save them. Unfortunately, it was too late—only one puppy survived. Did you know that scientists have found a link between animal abuse and violence against people? This connection was established by analyzing cases of domestic violence. Can you guess how many women interviewed reported that their abusive partner also mistreated animals?
Several studies reveal that between 23% and 77% of women who experienced domestic violence and had pets witnessed physical abuse against their animals.
Another horrifying scene involving animal cruelty is from the popular series Black Mirror. In the very first episode, “The National Anthem,” the British Prime Minister is forced to engage in a sexual act with a pig at the demand of terrorists. Under Ukrainian law, such acts of abuse are considered animal cruelty. What punishment would this character face in our country?
In Ukraine, the character would face 5–8 years of imprisonment. This is the punishment prescribed by Article 299 of the Criminal Code for violence against animals for sexual gratification. Additionally, if the animal belongs to the perpetrator, it would be confiscated.
Confiscation of the animal would also have been appropriate for Edie Britt from the series Desperate Housewives. In the third season, she gifts a puppy to her young son. While this may seem like a sweet gesture, the gift is actually part of a manipulative plan. Edie wants to keep her lover, who has grown attached to her son but not to her. However, even without manipulation, giving a pet as a gift is not the best decision. Why do you think that is?
The decision to take responsibility for a pet should be well-considered, as 80% of stray animals were once pets. At some point, people realize they’re not ready for the responsibility, and the animal ends up in a shelter or on the streets. The likelihood of such abandonment increases if the pet is imposed rather than chosen willingly.
Our dietary choices should also be conscious decisions. In the special “Spring” episode of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Kirk is appalled by the sight of a pig being roasted over a fire, calling it cruel. Luke then reminds him that Kirk was eating a bacon sandwich just yesterday. Cruelty isn’t as apparent when it’s just small pieces of meat on a plate. Perhaps that’s why documentaries about animal suffering often open people's eyes to the truth. Can you guess which of these films is one suc
The 2005 documentary Earthlings comprehensively shows how humans exploit animals for food, clothing, entertainment, and medical testing. The film includes footage from slaughterhouses, farms, circus rehearsals, and laboratories, and the narration in the original is provided by Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix. After seeing what happens in slaughterhouses and farms, many people decide to stop eating meat.
Similarly, Lily, a character from How I Met Your Mother, decided to rescue a goat after hearing it was going to be sent to the butcher. This happened during a meeting with a farmer at the kindergarten where Lily works. She bought the goat and brought it home. Do you think there’s a shelter in Ukraine that would take in a farm animal like that?
In Ukraine, there are shelters that provide refuge not only to pets but also to farm animals and even wild animals. Some of these include Rifugio, Pegasus, Rescued Animals Home, and Vuhlyk. However, when it comes to buying animals from abusers, there’s always a risk: saving one life might result in suffering for the next animal purchased with that money and forced to perform the same tasks. To prevent this, the founders of the Bila Skelia (White Rock) bear sanctuary make sellers sign an agreement that they will never keep bears again. This practice should also be applied to farm animals.
Horses are often found in Ukrainian shelters among the rescued farm animals, not only from farms but also from circuses and riding clubs. In one episode of the detective series The Mentalist, the character Patrick Jane and his team visit a racetrack where a jockey has been found dead. During the investigation, viewers learn about the preparation that jockeys and their teams go through for races. Do you think horse racing is a humane activity?
Horse racing is considered a cruel sport because animals frequently suffer injuries. PETA has documented cases of prohibited electric shock devices being used on horses, as well as the use of drugs to numb pain and make horses run faster.
Not bad!
If you took this quiz, it means that the topic of animal protection matters to you, and that’s the most important thing. However, sometimes watching TV shows isn’t enough—read UAnimals Media to learn more about the humane treatment of animals. In return, we’d appreciate any donation to the fund for rescuing animals.
Good job!
It seems you love both TV shows and animals. In that case, continue reading UAnimals Media to learn more about humane practices and animal protection. We’d also appreciate any donation to the animal rescue fund.
Excellent result!
Are we looking at a true TV series buff and animal rights advocate? Sometimes, watching TV shows alone isn’t enough—read UAnimals Media to learn even more about the humane treatment of animals and the environment. We’d be grateful for any donation to the animal rescue fund.
