PETA sends a fax to Kevin Federline about Britney's dogs  
Friday, October 5th, 2007

Britney with her Yorkshire terrier, London

I'm sorry, but PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is starting to tick me off.  I've signed many of their petitions and been involved with many of their campaigns, but they're starting to do some strange things for publicity.  First, they kiss and make up with Michael Vick, in an attempt to make animal empathy classes mandatory for everyone in the NFL.  Even though the NFL had nothing to do with the Vick dogfighting ring.

Now, Ingrid Newkirk, the president of PETA, has sent a fax to Kevin Federline, asking him to include Britney's dogs in their custody battle for their sons, Sean Preston and Jaydon James.  In a fax dated yesterday:

Dear Mr. Federline: We know that this is a particularly difficult time for you and your children.  We are writing to you today to urge you to amend your filing with the court to also seek consideration for your children's bond with the companion animals they have come to know and to request that the judge also grant you custody of these animals. It is no secret that Ms. Spears' impetuous 'pet' purchases and lack of caretaking skills have been a serious concern of ours, in addition to being a source of public criticism.  In 2006, Ms. Spears was 'the overwhelming choice' for worst celebrity dog owner in a poll conducted by The New York Dog and The Hollywood Dog magazines.  This past summer, Ms. Spears bought a Yorkshire terrier puppy from a pet store on impulse, only to casually tote the pup-London-around like an accessory.  In recent weeks, the Los Angeles SPCA has investigated reports of Ms. Spears' failure to provide adequate veterinary care for the tiny dog after he apparently suffered a fractured leg after being stepped on. As a father, your main concern is the comfort and stability of your children.  London and the other animals whom the boys consider to be part of the family have provided that comfort and stability.  The companionship of the beloved companion animals can make a world of difference for the boys during this difficult time, and being separated from the animal friends whom they share a bond with is undoubtedly traumatic for them. For the sake of your children and the animals who are at risk while in Ms. Spears' custody, we hope that you will do the right and best thing for all involved and pursue a custody order for the animals so that your sons can continue to have the company of the animals they've grown to adore.  If you have any other thoughts, we stand ready to assist you in placing the animals in a loving environment. Sincrely, Ingrid E. Newkirk"

First of all, I am sure Ingrid know that the SPCA investigation was dropped months ago.  London, the Yorkie puppy that Britney bought in July for $3,000, did suffer a minor leg fracture, but the dog was treated by a vet and the charges were cleared by the SPCA.  Back in August, Madeline Bernstein, President of the L.A. Branch of the SPCA, said the slight fracture was not serious and did not even require a cast.  She states that Britney's staff was interviewed regarding the incident, and it was revealed that Britney was not present when the dog was injured - London got "under someone's foot in the walk-in closet."   She also said that the veterinarian for Spears' dogs confirmed that London was treated.

Secondly, it doesn't seem like Federline even likes the dogs that Britney is constantly seen cuddling and smooching.  Britney has three other dogs:  two chihuahuas, Bit Bit and Lucky; and one maltese, Lacy Loo.  Sources that were close to Spears and Federline during the marriage insist that Kevin didn't get along with the dogs, and that he'd get growled at by her pooches.  The dogs that Spears was inseparable with even got sent away from their home at Federline's insistance.  In an interview with Teen People in September of 2006, K-Fed said, "We gave all the dogs to friends of ours.  It's just too much with the kids and all these dogs running around all over the place.  It just really wasn't working."  The pups didn't come back until after Spears filed for divorce.

Britney with her chihuahua Bit Bit at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards	Britney with her maltese, Lacy Loo

Spears has said of her chihuahua, Lucky, "She should be laid to rest with me when the time comes."  (Above pic is not Lucky, but a similar breed Britney was cuddling at a pet store)

And lastly, if PETA's main concern was really for the animals, they likely wouldn't be approaching this at all.  Young children (Sean Preston is 2 and Jayden James is 1 year old) must be constantly supervised with pets.  Toddlers are at the highest risk for dog bites, and young children have difficulty differentiating "hitting" from "petting."  There has been no proof that the "animals are at risk," nor observable need for removal of the pets from the environment they are accustomed to, and placing them in care that will require double the supervision, from an individual that doesn't even want them around.

Now, I am going to officially going to go crawl under a rock for posting something this long about Britney Spears.   But it was for the puppies!

   

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