Generally, I agree with PETA's basic message. Anyone who has ever had a pet that they loved knows animals should be cared for and protected.

It is hard to come to PETA's defense when the organization makes a statement as silly as the one in a recent press release. The release talks about the best and worst feature films of 2008 in regards to the treatment of animals.

"Bolt," "Marley & Me" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" all get high marks. No argument here. The group has problems with "Speed Racer," "You Don't Mess With the Zohan" and "Semi-Pro." There are a lot more things to complain about with those movies. But I see the group's point.

Then there is the reaction to "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa." The release says, "Throughout the movie, the penguins and chimpanzees try to fix the plane so that the animals can fly back to the zoo they came from. No real animals want to live in captivity."

When did computer-generated characters become real?

That is like filing criminal charges against the Road Runner because of all the damage the animated bird has inflicted on Wile E. Coyote. Let's form a mob and get Itchy. That mouse has been a menace to Scratchy on "The Simpsons" for years.

A lawyer needs to step up to take Bugs Bunny to court. Daffy Duck has had to keep his feathers numbered just in case they were blown off his body by a blast from a shotgun. Oh, the humanity of it all.

Of course in recent years, Bugs Bunny cartoons have been edited to be more politically correct. Many of the images of Daffy being beaten, blasted and battered were trimmed. You wouldn't want some national organization sending out press releases about how evil the actions are.

Imagine all the lawsuits and counter-suits to be filed by Tom and Jerry. It is like being hit in the face with a frying pan.

I generally applaud PETA for their efforts. But, being concerned about animated animals should not be a high priority.