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Animal Witness

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Tom Lodewyck, Carlo Corbellini, Walt Sloan, Where to watch: Animal Planet, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Animal forensics show has pretty intense content.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    While the show is about animal forensics, it also openly advocates for animal rights. It sometimes uses sensational material to achieve that goal.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Includes images of dead and/or mutilated animals. Some episodes show violent reenactments and video footage of bloody dog fights and other events. Also includes discussions about animal cruelty (beating, drowning, electrocuting, shooting) and conversations about violent criminal behavior (assault, murder). Some news footage shows angry PETA protestors.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some episodes include references to illegal drug activity, including using and selling marijuana and forcing animals to consume illegal narcotics.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Animal Witness

Parents need to know that some episodes of this series -- which demonstrates how animal forensics is used to solve criminal cases -- include disturbing pictures, reenactments, and descriptions of violent animal behavior and animal cruelty. Criminal behavior committed against humans is also discussed. Some of the crimes investigated are linked to drug use. Older viewers interested in forensic science may find the series interesting, but sensitive animal lovers may find some of the content overwhelming.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the different ways that animals contribute to criminal investigations. Does the mainstream media usually focus on animal forensics as an important part of solving cases? Why or why not? Families can also discuss animal rights activism. How do you feel about the graphic images and extreme behavior that activists sometimes use to call attention to their cause?
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