Earlier this week I wrote about the offensive Verizon LG Dare wireless phone ad that featured two chained and seemingly aggressive Pit Bulls charging a man who jumped a fence to try the new phone. The country mobilized! ASPCA (American Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals), HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and thousands of county shelters, grassroots rescue groups, and the general public converged on Verizon via email, phone calls, and letters, to convey their outrage.
As Margaret Meade once said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Our collective actions proved Ms. Meade right and I am happy…no thrilled…to report that Renee Brace and the ASPCA Online Community spoke with Verizon Executive Coordinator, Steve Schwartzman, and the offensive ad has been pulled in all markets. Mr. Schwartzman was very understanding of everyones feelings and admitted that they have received quite a bit of heat over this commercial.
