We are living in an age where the exploitation (abuse) of animals on social media is new and unregulated territory. Because the digital law on animal welfare is not up to date and, in addition, cannot contend with international relations, it is up to the public to decry the mistreatment and victimization of animals on social media on a global scale by holding the companies that harbor their content accountable.  

What are the signs of abuse pertaining to wild animals? They include (but are not limited to): 

• Wild animals in a superficial/domesticated setting instead of a natural habitat or wildlife refuge
• Wild animals that are promoted for sales or brand endorsements
• Overfeeding
• Costumes
• Teasing/antagonizing for a seemingly cute reaction

The Russia-based account raccoon.tema is a perfect example of all these infringements. The owner of this account, Elena Troskina, has admitted to buying the raccoon, named 'Tema', from a zoo with 0 experience in wildlife care. In her care the animal has been daily subject to the forceful wearing of costumes, being propped up in silly poses that he consistently fights against, being forced to travel for photo opportunities with paying strangers to generate funds, struggles with obesity, brand endorsements etc. 

In several videos you can see Elena wrangling him into costumes, such as a Santa suit, while another individual helps to hold him in place, manipulating and distracting his instinctive nature with treats while he struggles against the restraint. Elena has also admitted that she has been overwhelmed by the amount of time and care it takes to raise a wild animal (no s***) and that if she had to make the decision to purchase him again she would not- but he is 'her child' and 'it is fate' now. Animals are NOT children and they are not 'written for us in the stars'. The owner shows textbook signs of unhealthy attachment with the animal and a detachment with the reality of what is in the animal's best interest. 

Elena's actions not only harm Tema but they encourage others to view this attitude and abuse as normalcy. 

Why sign this petition? What is the goal?

The goal is to raise awareness of the exploitation of wild animals for profit and 'likes' - to set the bar higher on Instagram's 'Community Guideline Standards'. Though this account and its content have been reported several times there is nowhere to detail in a report why such accounts are not ok and, in fact, detrimental to the welfare of wild animals. And often a response on the part of an Instagram moderator is non-existent, or an automated response arrives which only confirms that action will NOT not be taken against the account manager.  

Many people, including those employed by Instagram who find themselves in positions of power to make educated assessments about social media user content, often do not understand how deeply counterproductive and dangerous accounts (such as raccoon.tema) are against preserving the sanctity of wildlife protection. 

Hard facts: the reality is that, at the end of the day, Instagram cares more about the numbers and we happily play to their advancement at the expense of animals such as Tema. Account users (like you and me) are a commodity: if it generates popularity- and there isn't a strong enough outcry against ethical standards- then they don't need to take action because the accountability factor simply isn't there as a deterrent. It is against the interest of Instagram to discourage people from exploiting animal antics, which bait subscribers and keep them hooked to the feed.

The good news is that, with hard work and a collective resolve you can make a difference by assisting the counterculture of users who say 'this is not ok'. 

Productive actions you can take! 

• Report such accounts and their postings on a regular basis 
• Let account owners know that you do not appreciate their exploitation of animals 
• Educate friends and family about why this type of animal exhibition is wrong
• Signing and sharing this petition!

We need to make the numbers work against the interest of Instagram and other social media platforms. One or two reports isn't going to make a change but in large quantities what's acceptable and not acceptable can be swiftly upended as we've seen time and again. Please take just one minute to advocate for Tema and other animals who experience daily abuse masked by 'good intentions'. Even if we only succeed in having one account taken down today it will be worth it. It is never ok to take advantage of something or someone that depends on you for 24/7 care. 

We demand this account be removed by Instagram for wild animal welfare violations and exploitation and that similar accounts be assessed with proper scrutiny in the best interest of the animals they represent and not the numbers they generate. Animals are NOT for profit and selfish love!