UNIVERSITY GAMES REMOVE DEPICTION OF DOG WITH TAPED MUZZLE ON MAN BITES DOG GAME

The Issue

University games is currently selling a game titled MAN BITES DOG. The graphics on the box the game comes in and possibly game boards, cards and or game pieces contained within  depicts a dog with its muzzle taped shut.  In the wake of recent real life events of the inhumane torture of animals having their muzzles taped shut with duct tape....electrical tape.....belts....rubber bands....etc , we find this graphic in poor taste and unethical . We are requesting the graphic on the packaging and any other game contents to reflect an image not portraying.. promoting ...resembling or encouraging animal neglect....abuse..torture...or death. This goes to stand for all versions of said game past, present, and future.

This petition had 246 supporters

The Issue

University games is currently selling a game titled MAN BITES DOG. The graphics on the box the game comes in and possibly game boards, cards and or game pieces contained within  depicts a dog with its muzzle taped shut.  In the wake of recent real life events of the inhumane torture of animals having their muzzles taped shut with duct tape....electrical tape.....belts....rubber bands....etc , we find this graphic in poor taste and unethical . We are requesting the graphic on the packaging and any other game contents to reflect an image not portraying.. promoting ...resembling or encouraging animal neglect....abuse..torture...or death. This goes to stand for all versions of said game past, present, and future.

The Decision Makers

A. Robert Moog
President of University Games
Responded
Dear Petitioners, I agree with all of you that "bigots", " idiots", and "jerks" who support or encourage animal cruelty should be abused themselves. In this case, I am guessing that very few if any of you have actually played the game. The dog pictured is "not" muzzled, but rather bandaged after being bitten by a Man. The dog is not being abused but rather it is being treated by a vet. It is a headlines creation game and the headline, "Man Bites Dog" is a classic example of sensational journalism. The game was introduced in 2000 and has been on the market for more than 15 years. Nevertheless, if so many of you have thoughtfully looked at the package and come to the conclusion that the bandaged dog who is recuperating from an injury is actually a "muzzled dog being punished or abused" then we need to change the package. The last thing we want is to confuse the messaging of our game with a poor illustration. I will ask my design department on Monday to explore alternative ways that we can communicate the humor of the title. Thanks for all of your comments. Bob A. Robert Moog President of University Games

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