McDonald's Radio Ad Referencing Pit Bulls Pulled After Angering Animal Owners
Published February 7, 2012
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McDonald's recently pulled a radio advertisement that was deemed insensitive toward pit bulls.
A report from NBC 4 Washington stated that McDonald's, in a radio spot that only ran locally for a few days in Kansas City, referred to their new line of "Chicken McBites"as being safer to eat than petting a stray pit bull.
The implication of the advertisement, of course, is that pit bulls are naturally aggressive and in turn dangerous dogs. It seems to be the latest case of perpetuating the pre-existing negative stereotypes that surround the breed.
After the ad aired, the complaints filed in. People protested through various social media outlets, including through a Facebook page titled "Pitbulls Against McDonald's", a page that was liked more than 8,200 times.
Upon learning of the outcry against the corporation, McDonald's pulled the ad almost immediately from the local markets that it aired. They also pledged to do a better job marketing in the future.
What are your thoughts on McDonald's insensitive advertisement? Share them in a comment.


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Comments (12)
McDonald's obviously has some idiots running their advertisements. Hope others will learn from this. Pit Bulls are great animals, and it's the jerks who breed them agressively who are at falut, not the breed.
to the comment about letting the breed "die out". That is the most ridiculous comment. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Pitbulls were the most common family dog in the '40's. They are lovingly referred to as "Nanny dogs" because of their love for children and young people. They were and are excellent working dogs and family dogs. I respect others' opinions on the matter, but that is beyond an unfair statement. I would never give up my pitbulls, and I NEVER want to see the breed die out.
I'm much more afraid of eating McDonald's food than I am of petting a pitbull. Then again I own two pitbulls and I have worked as a vet tech for the last 6 years. NEVER have I come close to being bitten by a pitbull, and NEVER have I felt afraid or threatened by one. Shame on McDonalds for not doing their research.