Disney and the American Kennel Club have taken notice. Last month Disney placed inserts in the DVDs of “Eight Below” telling viewers to research before purchasing a husky. Those inside DVDs of “The Shaggy Dog,” released last week, warn viewers that a bearded collie, the breed of the movie’s star, “is an active and intelligent dog, but not right for everyone.” Similar inserts will be placed in the packaging of “Air Buddies,” starring a family of golden retrievers, when it’s released on DVD in December.
Most animal-rights supporters applaud Disney, especially after a reported 25 percent jump in dumped Dalmatians a year after 1996’s “101 Dalmatians.” “Here’s an opportunity to teach proper decision making,” says the American Humane Association’s Bill Torgerson. Rent “The Shaggy Dog”–don’t buy him.
