Checkers Restaurants: Put Your Cat In A Bag

[Virgo10]

What on earth are they thinking? Joke ad campaigns are OK by me when it's people choosing to do stupid things. But to force a pet to do something stressful is cruel, IMO.

TAMPA – Some local animal control workers have a beef with a popular fast food chain.

They say Tampa-based Checkers Restaurants is encouraging customers to stick cats inside paper bags. While it's supposed to be part of a humorous ad campaign, some people aren't laughing.

All the controversy started with a commercial, and it turned into something weird on the internet. People began shooting videos of their cats wearing the Checkers paper bags, which led the restaurant to start a "cat-in-a-bag" contest.

The company printed instructions on the side of their hamburger bags so customers would know how to make the bags into attire for their felines.

The bags instructed customers to cut holes for the paws and tail, push the cat in backwards, and then take a picture for their restaurant's website. It does include a disclaimer advising people not to harm or endanger any cats, but Animal Services employees say there's no safe way to put a cat into a paper bag.

"If you are knowingly trying to put a domestic cat into a paper bag, it's patently ridiculous," said Marti Ryan of Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Experts say it's also dangerous. Some cats get so upset during the process, they could hurt someone. Even trained handlers have trouble putting some cats in places they don't want to go.

Animal workers claim the contest has led to cat abuse, meaning they could arrest the animals' owners, and even go after Checkers.

"I'm told the county attorney may seek an injunction," said Ryan.

Managers at Checkers' headquarters would not talk on camera, but they issued a statement. It reads:

"We received dozens of letters...requesting Rap Cat merchandise...our new Web site...and carry-out bags are...intended only as a creative extension of our television campaign."

That does not address the county's concerns.

"At issue here is the idea that you're asking a pet to do something against its will and forcing it into a bag," said Ryan.

That's why the county may challenge Checkers to a cat fight in court.

Video Here
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=2433716&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

 

[Poohbear123]

I don't eat there anyway, but how STUPID can you be!

 

[CheshireVal]

I don't know who is dumber: Checkers for coming up with the idea, or people who think it's funny and would actually try this with their own pets.

 

[gas station]

Rap Cat!!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Okay, it's foolish, and would encourage idiots to abuse animals...I get that.
But how different is it from people who dress up their animals in funny costumes?

 

[Tazicket]

What a dumb idea. Poor cats!

Okay, it's foolish, and would encourage idiots to abuse animals...I get that.
But how different is it from people who dress up their animals in funny costumes?

Someone correct me if my impression is wrong, but the way I see it, the costumes were designed for animals to wear. Yes, they look ridiculous (I have a pic of my parents' dog dressed as a lobster to prove that. BUT, paper bags are not intended to be worn as clothing by animals or people. They can be noisy and stiff compared to fabric. So in addition to forcing a cat into a bag backwords (which would freak them out anyway), it's also noisy and feels weird (which could further freak out said cat).

Another thought: If the cat gets sufficiently freaked out to cause harm to their owner, what's to stop the owner from suing Checkers for damages?

 

[reeeoga]

So its abuse to put a cat in a paperbag, but fine to put a cat in a carrier?

And is it abuse when my cat goes into the bag onits own.

People having too much time on their hands

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Another thought: If the cat gets sufficiently freaked out to cause harm to their owner, what's to stop the owner from suing Checkers for damages?

Then that would be justice, I guess. Idiots suing idiots.

 

[Poohbear123]

So its abuse to put a cat in a paperbag, but fine to put a cat in a carrier?

And is it abuse when my cat goes into the bag onits own.

People having too much time on their hands

A Carrier is made of HARD PLASTIC and the PAPER bag is made of PAPER! Yes, I have had Cats that would "hide out" in paper bags, but we are talking about the BIG BROWN paper Bags, not the Sandwhich/Drink size like at Checkers. The Promotion is stupid and people thinking this is OK have NO SENSE!

 

[reeeoga]

A Carrier is made of HARD PLASTIC and the PAPER bag is made of PAPER! Yes, I have had Cats that would "hide out" in paper bags, but we are talking about the BIG BROWN paper Bags, not the Sandwhich/Drink size like at Checkers. The Promotion is stupid and people thinking this is OK have NO SENSE!

My carriers are cardboard. And I have had both of my cats TRY to get into a Checkers bag or a Happymeal bag. Neither susceeded due to having big heads .

I see no difference in putting the bag on and putting the animal in "Animal Clothing", the cat does not want to be put into either one (usually) and both CAN be tramatic to the cat.

I worked for 4 years for a vet. and placed hundreds of animal into hundreds of carriers, very few liked it. Several hated it. And several tried to kill me for doing it .

 

[Miss Jasmine]

My cat tries to stuff himself in kleenex boxes. He climbs into paper bags of all sizes (even ones that are too small and he ends up "wearing" it). I guess because he is choosing to do these stupid things on his own it's not abuse. Or should I be worried?

 

[sha_lyn]

A Carrier is made of HARD PLASTIC and the PAPER bag is made of PAPER! Yes, I have had Cats that would "hide out" in paper bags, but we are talking about the BIG BROWN paper Bags, not the Sandwhich/Drink size like at Checkers. The Promotion is stupid and people thinking this is OK have NO SENSE!

Some carriers are made out of fabric, vinyl or leather. They look much like a large purse or small suitcase, and have a small area of mesh fabric so the animal can breath.

I have to agree with those who see no difference in the bags and a pet costume. Perhaps those that sees no difference between forcing a cat into a carrier, costume or bag are the ones lacking sense.

 

[CheshireVal]

A cat is a living, breathing creature. Not a toy.

I wouldn't put a silly costume on my cats, either, but a paper bag? It's loud and crinkly. I can't think of a single cat who wouldn't be freaked out and angry about that.

But.... even if it's not cruel and the cat ends up not minding the bag, I just fail to see the humor in it. It's just stupid. Not funny.

 

[sha_lyn]

I wouldn't put a silly costume on my cats, either, but a paper bag? It's loud and crinkly. I can't think of a single cat who wouldn't be freaked out and angry about that

Cats put themselves in paper bags all of the time. The loud and crinkliness doesn't seem to bother them at all. Heck cats seem to seek out such items.
FTR... I'm not advocating dressing cats up in bags, I just don't see it as being a big deal, especially considering the things my cats have put themselves in over the yrs, including paper bags.

 

[Maleficent13]

My cat tries to stuff himself in kleenex boxes. He climbs into paper bags of all sizes (even ones that are too small and he ends up "wearing" it). I guess because he is choosing to do these stupid things on his own it's not abuse. Or should I be worried?

Your cat is a masochist. Therapy.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Your cat is a masochist. Therapy.

I have tried therapy, yet he still does these things. I love him anyway and will stand by him.

 

[reeeoga]

I have tried therapy, yet he still does these things. I love him anyway and will stand by him.

Time to place the cat on Behavior modification medications: Cat nip. If that doesn't work try a 15 to 30 inch piece of string tied to your shoe.

 

[Mickey527]

Miss Jasmine your cats have brothers who live in CT.
My sons 3 cats love to play with paper bags. I put the paper bags on the floor and the cats take turns going inside the bag while the other cats jump on the bag. It is so funny to watch them and they love it.
When the other two cats are not around one cat will go in the bag and stick his head out and meow, like he is wondering where the other guys are and why they are not attacking.
Peggie

 

[Virgo10]

A Carrier is made of HARD PLASTIC and the PAPER bag is made of PAPER! Yes, I have had Cats that would "hide out" in paper bags, but we are talking about the BIG BROWN paper Bags, not the sandwich/Drink size like at Checkers. The Promotion is stupid and people thinking this is OK have NO SENSE!

What you said. Good grief, if my cats decide on their own to go into a large paper bag, that's one thing. To force an animal into a body fitting one is ridiculous. As for the carrier line

 

[korbbec]

Okay, it's foolish, and would encourage idiots to abuse animals...I get that.
But how different is it from people who dress up their animals in funny costumes?

Exactly what I was thinking. Yes I think it is dumb and mean. So is making your dog wear shoes. Actually, making your dog wear shoes is meaner, but no one seems to get up in arms about that. People just don't think.