This animal news just in from L.A. … A dog bit a pig on the ear. The wound was not serious and quickly healed. But because it was filmed for a reality TV show, animal control authorities are involved. From the Los Angeles Times:
Famed “dog whisperer” Cesar Millan is defending himself amid an investigation by Los Angeles County animal control officials involving a pot-bellied pig that was attacked by a French bulldog mix during a TV episode.
Investigators are asking for the names of everyone who appeared on the Feb. 26 episode of National Geographic Wild’s “Cesar 911” show and also want to see the pig, officials said. Then they will decide whether the canine-on-swine-related violence rises to the level of a crime, officials said. … Millan, however, said no crime occurred and that the entire episode is much ado about nothing.
"I do have a large group of fans and a small group of people who don't agree with me. They are taking this the wrong way and blowing it way out of proportion," he said in an interview with the Associated Press.
The complaint was lodged by an animal rights activist – that’s right, one person – after the show aired. The crackpot was careful to call TMZ first. An animal control spokesman replied: “We don’t investigate people; we investigate allegations.” (Sorry, I’m not perishing the thought that Mr. Millan’s stardom had a lot to do with this crap.) Nat Geo Wild’s official explanation:
“Millan was working with Simon, a French bulldog/terrier mix, who frequently attacked other animals, including his owner’s pet pot-bellied pigs. A short clip from the episode was shared online and showed Simon chasing a pig and nipping its ear, causing the ear to bleed. The clip caused some concern for viewers who did not see or understand the full context of the encounter. The pig that was nipped by Simon was tended to immediately afterward, healed quickly and showed no lasting signs of distress.”
Mr. Millan, a dog trainer and author whose career had humble beginnings at a pet store, has been on TV since 2004. His training techniques have drawn critics; it’s tough to argue with his results or bank account.
There is a reason there is no equivalent “cat whisperer” (although Jackson Galaxy gives it a good go). We’d calmly listen to the whispering, rub against your leg and meow “screw you” in unison.
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