Apple's iPhone application "Talking Tom Cat" features a cartoon cat that you can abuse. Tom is a pet cat that responds to your touch and repeats everything you say with a funny voice. "You can pet him, poke and punch him or grab his tail." According to Apple, "he is especially fun for children of all ages."

See this in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRKqyEk4Ous

The Animal Welfare Institute has already contacted Apple Corporate Customer Service and a complaint file has been opened. Please convince Apple to pull "Talking Tom Cat" from the market.

 

IMPORTANT BEFORE SIGNING:

Personal letters always work best ! Please fill in the letter box below with your own words before signing the petition, as Apple would prefer to read your individual opinion on this matter.

 Suggested talking points:

- I am disappointed that Apple would offer an application that encourages aggression towards animals.

- "Talking Tom Cat" promotes or at the very least supports abuse towards animals.

- Even if it is just a cartoon cat, children are particularly receptive to games.

- Allowing children to mistreat a cartoon cat only teaches them that animal abuse is alright and may encourage them to act out on a live animal next.

- Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, should never be promoted.

- Abusing a cat is not funny and Apple should not encourage such behavior.

- I ask that this application be pulled or that it be modified to remove the negative ads that allow the user to hurt Tom.