Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that many scenes of animal neglect and abuse in this show are very graphic and could upset kids. Animals featured include dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses, and many are ill and/or injured when the agents arrive. When questioned, the offenders often are unremorseful and seem unmoved by the animals' dire straits. The show exposes viewers to a little-known group of officials and reminds us how much all facets of law enforcement rely on the public for information.
Families can talk about proper care of animals. What moral responsibilities do owners have toward their pets? What are the animal rights laws in your area? Parents can also use the show to demonstrate the importance of being observant. What might have happened to the animals in trouble if someone hadn't called the authorities? If you witnessed a case of neglect or abuse, what would you do?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
ANIMAL PRECINCT introduces viewers to the Humane Law Enforcement Team of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City.
These 15 agents patrol the city -- home to an estimated 5 million pets -- following tips from the public on cases of animal neglect and abuse. They gather statements from witnesses, observe the animals in question (often from afar), and decide on the proper course of action.
If the situation warrants immediate action, the agents enter homes unannounced and rescue animals in distress. In other cases, owners are questioned or -- if they aren't available -- served a written notice to contact the agent's office.
Depending on the severity of the abuse, offenders can face felony charges. In cases of mild neglect, the ASPCA often steps in to educate owners on proper animal care. The show includes follow-up on the featured stories and tells what instruction or punishment was given in each case. When they're ready, rehabilitated animals are adopted out, and viewers get to see them with their new owners.
The show is eye-opening to the plight of many pets in neglectful situations and encourages the public's vigilance in preserving animals' rights. It also reminds us of the heroic jobs performed by a variety of low-profile law enforcement agents every day.
But parents need to be warned that this isn't a feel-good animal show, and it isn't appropriate for young kids. Many of the stories are absolutely heart-wrenching no matter how old you are. In one episode, for example, agents discovered 10 beagles living alone in an apartment, covered in their own urine and feces. Agents arrived just in time to rescue the animals before the building was destroyed, and after tracking down the dogs' owner, found that he hadn't planned to remove the animals before the demolition.
Fans of Animal Precinct might also enjoy another Animal Planet series, Animal Cops. For more family-friendly critter shows, tune into Dogs With Jobs or the nature series Caught in the Moment.
Rate It!
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ViolenceGraphic scenes of animals who have been neglected, hurt, or starved. Some suspects physically resist arrest. |
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LanguageOccasional uses of "damn" or "hell," but stronger words are edited out. |
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Social BehaviorThe show demonstrates the repercussions of breaking the law, showing some criminals getting handcuffed and taken to jail and listing the charges, convictions, and sentences of all offenders. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoScenes sometimes include subjects or onlookers smoking or drinking beer. |
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