Animal Precinct

 Review

Common Sense Media says

ASPCA agents rescue neglected pets. Not for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

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.

  • The 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.
  • Graphic scenes of animals who have been neglected, hurt, or starved. Some suspects physically resist arrest.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

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, whose 15 agents patrol the city -- home to an estimated 5 million pets -- gathering statements from witnesses, observing the animals in question (often from afar), and deciding on the proper course of action. If the situation warrants immediate action, the agents enter homes unannounced and rescue animals in distress. Severe offenders can face felony charges, while 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, describing the offenders' punishment and showing the rehabilitated animals in their new adoptive homes.


Is it any good?

 

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.


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What families can talk about

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?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
I think it Rocks!
This show is a good show to watch if you wanna help animals when you grow up, like me! Its' very educational and will teach you that a pet is not a toy sure there is occastional swearing but hey they will try anything!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Must See for Animal Lovers
Many parts of this show, like Animal Cops, is very hard to watch, but I think it's important for young and old to view what indifference and cruelty does to animals. After all, if you can be cruel to an animal, a child could be next. This show also manages to be uplifting. To see how people take these animals and turn their lives around is truly heartwarming. I know that for myself, I find that I donate to these groups much more than I ever did and I promote adoping shelter dogs over pet shops and breeders. Please keep these shows on the air!

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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
i luv this show
every kid should c this show dont reccomend 4 young kids or kids with real problems seein animals hurt starved or sick

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
great show

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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
 
It's an OK show...
Animal Precinct is really a good show. I'd recomend it for kids 10 and up, and any kid who plans on being an animal control officer when they grow up; personally I want to start a small-scale animal documentary business. My first film would be about my favorite animals, MEERKATS!!! But, back to the show. Language can be an issue for kids that repeat EVERYTHING they hear, sometimes they say the D word and H word, and Violence is a bit of an issue, too. Sometimes the offenders freak-out when they get arrested; in one episode, a guy tried to break free from the officers because he was "in jail" for a week and the animals had to be left alone(they we're two dogs & some pups, the female was amaciated and the male had expired)and he thought that he did'nt deserve to be arrested. He broke two fingers on one O' the agents and the other suffered a minor concussion. Overall, it's a good show: some language and violence, but a good show.

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Parent
May 20, 2012
 
Not aimed at children! Contains graphic images.
Pretty much the animal version of cops. Following around the ASPCA to arrest the baddies and rescue the animals. This show sometimes contains graphic images, which it usually states before the show starts or before the begins from the commercial break. Some of the animals don't make it, either found dead or die at the Vet. It can be extremely sad but preteens should be able to understand at the point life, death, and the act of murder. If not, it should certainly be explained before they turn this on. There's a lot of sick people in this world. One episode focused on a young teen who would kill cats and leave their bodies on the owner's front lawns. You didn't see the body, but the description was graphic. A preteen should be talked to about why someone around their age would do such a horrible thing. If you can't handle discussions of murder, abuse, and neglect, don't watch this show. There are a very good number of happy endings, but the world isn't always sunshine and gumdrops. Not to mention animals have their own set of rules and instincts. It'd be a good idea to have your preteen read up on animals.

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:Animal Planet
Cast:Annemarie Lucas, Henry Ruiz
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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