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Your 3 Cents: animal control flyer stirs up controversy
What do you think about animal control's flyer and choice of words? The flyer has raised quite a few eyebrows around Norfolk. People are saying the city could have used a better choice of words to advertise black cats and dogs up for adoption. Tell us what you think.
The flyer called it a "blowout adoption event for black babies."
Now some say a local animal control center went too far to get animals adopted.
The words on the flyer are clear as day: blowout adoption event for black babies at 50 percent off the regular price.
"That might be a little troublesome," said one Norfolk resident.
The flyer has raised quite a few eyebrows around Norfolk. People are saying the city could have used a better choice of words to advertise black cats and dogs up for adoption.
"This isn't the city trying to be racially insensitive. No, no, we try never to hurt anyone. Call them their babies. I call my dog my baby," said city spokeswoman Terry Birsirjian. She says an animal control employee made the flyer in hopes of finding the black animals in the shelter homes for the holidays.
"Certainly did not intend to be insensitive or offensive," she said.
NewsChannel 3 found people around Norfolk who call this a "poor choice of words."
"Because black babies may suggest black human babies rather than black animals."
"I dont think it was intentional, but now that it's out, cats and dogs, not babies."
City officials admit there is a cost to the immediacy of quickly putting out a flyer without double and triple checking, and this time they surely paid a price.
"We're going to be more careful in the future, don't want to hurt anyone's feelings."
They are apologizing, saying the minute it was brought to their attention that the words "black babies" might be offensive it was changed.
It now reads: blowout sale for our black furry friends.
Now some say a local animal control center went too far to get animals adopted.
The words on the flyer are clear as day: blowout adoption event for black babies at 50 percent off the regular price.
"That might be a little troublesome," said one Norfolk resident.
The flyer has raised quite a few eyebrows around Norfolk. People are saying the city could have used a better choice of words to advertise black cats and dogs up for adoption.
"This isn't the city trying to be racially insensitive. No, no, we try never to hurt anyone. Call them their babies. I call my dog my baby," said city spokeswoman Terry Birsirjian. She says an animal control employee made the flyer in hopes of finding the black animals in the shelter homes for the holidays.
"Certainly did not intend to be insensitive or offensive," she said.
NewsChannel 3 found people around Norfolk who call this a "poor choice of words."
"Because black babies may suggest black human babies rather than black animals."
"I dont think it was intentional, but now that it's out, cats and dogs, not babies."
City officials admit there is a cost to the immediacy of quickly putting out a flyer without double and triple checking, and this time they surely paid a price.
"We're going to be more careful in the future, don't want to hurt anyone's feelings."
They are apologizing, saying the minute it was brought to their attention that the words "black babies" might be offensive it was changed.
It now reads: blowout sale for our black furry friends.
I think the idea and meaning was cute. It is too bad people had to twist it and be too sensitive
Peggy @ 5:09 PM EST, Dec 1, 2009
Having volunteered at an animal shelter I can tell you that I applaud the Shelters ad and its attempt to bring focus on these deserving animals. Please consider adopting a black cat or dog! All animals deserve a good home!
Stef @ 10:31 AM EST, Nov 27, 2009
I just watched your report on fake locksmiths. Thank you for time and effort on this problem. I'm a licensed locksmith in the Lexington area and this info will be shown to the local police who use these illegals all the time and will not call me for lockouts. Thanks again
Daryl StatomeDCJS11-5814 @ 6:13 PM EST, Nov 26, 2009
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