I recieved this email from the ADBA (AMERICAN DOG BREEDERS ASSCIATION) this morning. I'm sure some have seen the commercial VERIZON has aired, promoting their new LG Dare cell phone! It was very upsetting to me as an owner of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
I received an email message from a Rover early this morning claiming that Verizon pulled the ad. Here is a copy of that rather mysterious email:
Thank Steve Sacchitelli for his incredible work in getting this terrible portrayal of the American pit bull terrier pulled off the air
In a message dated 7/22/2008 7:30:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Stevesach32 writes: "I just got off the phone with Scott Armstrong at Verizon who is someone in Marketing with considerable pull--they have pulled the ad."
Congrats to Verizon for actually acting on this. Please say Thanks to Steve with a short email (stevesach32@aol.com ) for his efforts in effectively removing this ad campaign with the help of all of you
As of now (minus 3 hours ago) 4pm PST---There is NO proof this is true. Furthermore, I have spoken with Polly Phillips from the Verizon Wireless Executive Office in Irvine, CA (Irvine handles accounts in their Western region and Basking Ridge, New Jersey handles the Eastern region). She denied the claim and promised to call me directly if anything changed--just as she had told me YESTERDAY when I phoned the corporate office and spoke to her.
I smell a rat!
And while we have been told to direct ALL our comments to Ms. Raney, she holds her brick wall resolve to continue the ad and has had this to say to several Rovers:
Pit bulls were not in the script and that that was the only type of dog available.
Verizon is not making any commitment to remove the commercial.
Verizon does not take any responsibility and stated they never intended to offend anyone.
For all its worth--here again is Brenda's contact info:
Brenda Raney
brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com
Executive director of media relations for Verizon Wireless
(908) 559-7518
Given the wide media attention this is getting and the Big Gun's shooting it down--it's hard to know why Verizon just doesn't get it? Read more in this article:
Verizon Pit-Bull Ad Unleashes Flurry of Complaints
Verizon Pit-Bull Ad Unleashes Flurry of Complaints - Advertising Age - News
And if you have not had the pleaure of viewing it yourself--here is the link to the TV ad Verizon is running:
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So, what's next you ask?
I am so glad you asked. Verizon needs to feel a little more pain!
We need to go over the talking heads and take it to Corporate. Call, email and send your letters here:
Verizon Wireless Corporate Office
Lowell McAdam CEO
1 Verizon Way
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(908) 559-7000
Executive Leadership
Be polite and direct in your request that they kill the LG Dare commercial ad depicting the American Pit Bull Terrier (aka Pit Bull) as a vicious junkyard dog. In fact, no dog, regardless of breed, deserves to be chained up and made into a mad dog!
My letter to Verizon
Dear Lowell Mc Adam,
Your TV ad for the new LG Dare cell phone is a disgraceful attempt to grab thrill seeking eyeballs for corporate profits. To portray a breed of dog as aggressive and vicious is serving to alienate many outraged Verizon customers concerned about the humane treatment of all dogs and the negative message you are sending!
Furthermore, your brand of gimmick advertising serves to bolster negative breed stereotypes of the American Pit Bull Terrier (aka Pit Bull). This breed already suffers from being demonized by myths, public misconceptions and legislative ignorance regarding dog behavior. Irresponsible ads like yours seek to credit and promote these stereotypes.
As a loyal Verizon customer for years, I feel compelled to cancel my accounts (both business and personal) unless you pull this ad immediately. Exploiting the plight of dogs who suffer as a result of media sensationalism and animal abuse will not be tolerated by a society moving forward to promote animal welfare issues.
Do the right thing. Dare to admit the ad was a mistake!
Yours truly,
Paula Terifaj DVM
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From a witty Rover with a wicked sense of humor
Dear Ms. Raney,
I would like to thank you for the recent t.v. ad depicting the ferocious and chained pit bulls. My husband is a sales representative for T-Mobile and his business is booming. The phone hasn't stopped ringing with irate Verizon clients switching their service.
Your shameless perpetuation of damaging stereotypes might get us a trip to Hawaii. I'm sure you all thought the ad was funny and didn't realize the multitudes of innocent dogs suffering endlessly because of those stereotypes. Have you ever met a pit bull?
Well, thanks again for adding to the media hype that is responsible for killing dogs. Keep up the good work - I'd really like to go to Paris and get a new car.
"Sincerely",
Cindy Scott
Verizon is NOT Pulling Their Junkyard Ad...Yet!
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