We appreciate your interest in Animal Planet's programming, as Animal Planet's primary mission is to celebrate the deep bond that humans share with animals of every shape and size. Everything the network does, whether in our programming, educational outreach programs, or our work with partner organizations, is meant to further this goal. That's why we would like to take this opportunity to make our intentions clear regarding THAT'S MY BABY .

Throughout Animal Planet's history, the network has used its television and online resources to tell stories that increase the public's awareness of, and support for, all species of animals. In addition to the many, many stories that appear on the air educating our viewers and promoting responsible animal care, Animal Planet also participates in a number of civic programs that expand that message and mission. Just one aspect of our efforts is raising awareness of pet adoption issues. Currently, our ongoing Yelpline partnership with the Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS) and Denver Dumb Friends League provides information to humans that encourages adoption of shelter animals and offers advice to ensure that pets are not returned once they are adopted. This integrated partnership is supported by on-air announcements, a special section of the Animal Planet website, and by a special toll-free phone number. In addition, we've engaged in a number of campaigns with the HSUS, American Humane Association (AHA) and others to actively promote awareness of spaying, neutering and pet adoption issues. And, in a long running partnership with AHA, our Animal Planet Rescue effort provides educational outreach and relief from natural disasters that has saved the lives of thousands of animals.

Birth and the raising of young is an important aspect of the lives of animals. No effort to illustrate animal lives would be complete or accurate without examining this passage. THAT'S MY BABY will feature stories that follow people and animals through the birth process. Our production team will only be profiling animals that are already pregnant and would be giving birth regardless of the presence of our cameras. In addition, the subjects under consideration for coverage come from every part of the animal world and include such animals as alpacas, buffalo, pigs, zebra, whales, cows as well as domestic animals such as dogs, cats and horses. In telling these stories, we will be highlighting the reasons, the challenges, the joys and the very real and significant responsibility of bringing any animal into the world.

We do not believe that the airing of THAT'S MY BABY will encourage irresponsible breeding, but we do feel the series offers another excellent opportunity to increase awareness of the problem of pet overpopulation, the importance of spaying & neutering, and pet adoption. So, in addition to public service announcements already in regular rotation on our air, we plan to include appropriate PSA's in every episode of THAT'S MY BABY to ensure the further dissemination of these very important messages.

We share your commitment to finding a home for every animal up for adoption and to discourage irresponsible breeding. Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns, for your interest in Animal Planet, and most importantly, thank you for caring about animals.

Sincerely,
Kimberly
Viewer Relations
Animal Planet