Bearing ‘Witness’ to Animal Cruelty or an Unkind Critic?

Howard Rosenberg’s column “ ‘Witness’ to the Slaughter” (Dec. 8) really hit themark in exposing the irony in the television industry’s promotion of shock-reality shows like “Crocodile Hunter” in preference to programs like the award-winning documentary “The Witness,” an accounting of a down-on-his-luck New Yorker turned animal advocate.

As Rosenberg laments, mainstream television is really missing an opportunity here to show not only a moving human interest story about a person who turned his life around, but also to present a fresh look at the world of animal activism and advocacy--topics that are both compelling and that hold significance in viewers’ daily lives. Most people would be surprised to see the deplorable conditions in which animals raised for food and fashion are treated both in life and in death.

I would urge PBS and the other networks to give “The Witness” a second look. While some of the footage might be unpleasant to watch, at least the program exposes a genuine conflict between humans and animals, which is more than we can say for the “Crocodile Hunter” and his staged animal encounters.

KATHARINE HABER

Santa Barbara

*

I have to take exception to Rosenberg’s dissing of Steve Irwin. Granted, I’m sure the NBC special was exactly what Rosenberg said it was, but that’s mainstream broadcast TV for you.

On his regular “Animal Planet” show, Irwin’s enthusiasm and knowledge are paramount, and he doesn’t come off as overwrought or grandiose. I do agree that “The Witness” should get an airing, but I wouldn’t pillory Irwin for that oversight.

Irwin’s gifts and talents have their proper place on “Animal Planet,” and I’m sure that “Witness” will find a home on either HBO, IFC or Sundance. It’s not that there aren’t places for interesting things to run, it’s just that we can’t expect them to be the mainstream sources that traditionally ruled the airwaves. I believe the onus is really on the viewers to pick up their remotes and surf a bit.

LISA MATEAS

Marietta, Ga.

*

Eddie Lama’s road to a compassionate coexistence with all animals, not just dogs and cats, is a story that the world should hear. It would go a long way to healing what is wrong with our society. Unfortunately, the major networks are afraid of the truth. They have no problem with perpetuating cruelty to animals in their programming but rarely expose institutionalized animal cruelty.

Society needs to witness what is happening to animals. Tell the networks you want to see “The Witness” on TV.

TERRI DAVID

Asheville, N.C.

*

I get the feeling Rosenberg has never really watched the “Crocodile Hunter” series. Had he seen the original, instead of a ratings-draw “best of” special, he would certainly know that the series, while not only entertaining, educates the viewer about animal behavior and conservation.

What Rosenberg seems to feel is that the two--education and entertainment--should not and cannot be mixed. In that lesson, he has missed the boat.

BILL BERG-HILLINGER

Valencia

*

If Rosenberg were a real reporter instead of a sniping columnist, he would walk a mile in the shoes of the crocodile hunters or the other hunters or trappers he criticizes. But that would mean going the extra mile--something I don’t think he’s capable of or interested in doing.

GENO LAWRENZI

Laurel, Md.

*

I want to commend Rosenberg for his ongoing crusade against cruelty to animals, and specifically for his article about the wonderful Eddie Lama. Keep up the good work of enlightening people on this vital and mostly ignored issue.

RACHEL ROSENTHAL

Los Angeles