Concerns G-Force Film Will Make Kids Want Pet Guinea Pigs
Disney's G-Force movie opens in theatres this weekend. The film is an animated comedy that stars four highly trained guinea pigs out to save the world. Guinea pig rescue groups are concerned the film could foster lost of interest in guinea pigs, which are very fragile creatures that require lots of attention and care.
The Orange County Cavy (aka guinea pig) Haven in Costa Mesa has already posted urgent Internet pleas to parents asking them to say no when their children beg for guinea pigs, because the animals are too fragile for young children.
It's happened before. Some call it "101 Dalmations syndrome," after the live-action Disney movie that sent thousands rushing to buy the black-and-white spotted pups. When the dogs failed to act like those in the movie, families gave them up, breeders said.
The popularity of Chihuahuas soared after the movies "Legally Blonde" and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and when Taco Bell featured a talking one in an ad campaign. Ferrets were the animal of choice after "Along Came Polly" and guinea pigs were in demand after "Bedtime Stories."
The Humane Society says in an article about guinea pigs that an adult should be the pets primary caretaker. They also note that guinea pigs have lots of requirements, including "a roomy cage, specialized diet, daily cleanup and gentle handling." The ASPCA has an article about guinea pig care here.
Disney's 
