It is my understanding that animal welfare people believe animals may be used for almost anything (including “working” as circus performers, horse- and dog-racing, seeing-eye aides, some experimentation), as long as it’s done humanely; animal rights people do not believe that animals should be used in any way (this includes experimentation and food-sources of course, but even the riding of horses and the keeping of house pets is akin to slavery to the strictest of rights protestors).
Your Mommy Kills Animals, a Curt Johnson documentary, explores humans’ treatment of animals from both the animal welfare and animal rights sides. (The title of the movie is borrowed from a comic book that PeTA hands out to children.)
This film does show some pretty harsh footage, including the beating, bludgeoning, evisceration and skinning of animals—however, it also shows happy pets, idyllic settings in no-kill shelters, and people hugging bunnies. It’s balanced 50/50, but whatever you consider to be the most “outrageous” parts are more likely to resonate with you personally.
Mostly, Your Mommy Kills Animals focuses on qualified people talking about the issues. The film touches on everything from the history of the humane societies to experimentation, to rescues in New Orleans after Katrina, to the furrier business, to Hollywood’s activism, to freedom of speech and the politics of terrorism. There are some very well-spoken people on both sides of the issue (Shane Barbi, Mike Mease, and especially David Martasco come off particularly informed and competent), and it’s interesting to see all kinds of people being allowed to say whatever they want without being put on the defensive by the filmmakers. (Some of the bigger money-making groups, such as PeTA and The Humane Society of the United States, chose not to participate. It’s easy to see why, once you’ve viewed this unforgettable film.)
Your Mommy Kills Animals does not have a point of view like a Michael Moore movie; it is not at all dramatic like a Werner Herzog documentary; it’s not arty like The Kid Stays In The Picture; nor is it emotional like the works of Ken Burns. Although it’s presented in a static manner that mostly focuses on talking heads, Your Mommy Kills Animals will more than likely still draw you in with its unbiased approach—and, no matter where you stand on the issue of animals, you will definitely learn a lot about people.
