Ellen DeGeneres’s Dogfight Continues

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres calls for calm in response to adopted dog fiasco on Thursday’s show.

Posted: October 19, 2007, 5 a.m. EST

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The dogfight over Ellen DeGeneres’s former dog Iggy continued yesterday as Mutts and Moms co-founder Marina Batkis filed a report with Pasadena, Calif., police about receiving death threats.

“My life is being threatened; this is horrible. I rescue dogs. I can’t believe this,” Baktis told “Access Hollywood.”

The fur flap started Sunday when Mutts and Moms took back DeGeneres’s terrier puppy from the home of her hairstylist and her two young daughters because the move violated the Sept. 20 adoption agreement that said DeGeneres couldn’t give away the dog. Mutts and Moms policy doesn’t allow small dogs to be placed in homes with children younger than 14.

DeGeneres told E! News that the Pasadena, Calif.-based rescue group’s stand seems to be “about punishing me, and that’s fine,” adding, “Iggy’s health and safety has always been No. 1.”

Ed Sayres, president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, issued a statement Wednesday praising DeGeneres’s actions “in trying to provide loving homes for animals in need,” but he added, “We also understand the point of view of Mutts and Moms,” which, like many groups, sets such rules to provide “a safety net for the animals.”

In this case, Sayres said, he would “encourage Mutts and Moms to revisit their approach to this situation.”

DeGeneres urged for calm on Thursday’s show. “It has gotten out of hand,” she said. “The people who have or had Iggy are receiving death threats and that is not OK. I know people are passionate about this, but you don’t resort to violence. Anyone out there, please don’t do that.

“I think this is the last time I’m talking about this,” she continued. “Unless I’m lucky enough to say one day to you, ‘Iggy has returned.’ As of today, as I’m talking to you, Iggy has not been returned. And, in fact, I think we were told [he] was given to another home. Unfortunately, Ruby, the little girl, doesn’t want another dog. She wants Iggy. It’s not a toy that’s broken that you can replace. It’s a dog.”

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Joyce   Cameron, SC

10/21/2007 10:17:10 AM

I feel most for that poor pup that's being pushed from pillar to post. If Ellen couldn't handle the pup, she should have returned it. But even greater, she should have considered the cost before she adopted. I just pray that the little fella is in a stable loving home now and won't be tramatized by this event. He must have come into this world unwanted and hopefully the person or family who has him now can give him the reassurance that he is very much wanted and loved. I have 2 rescue dogs of my own, one is 10 the other just had her 3rd birthday yesterday. They are my children. For those of us who can't have babies, furbabies are our next best thing. I would never give up a child of mine because they didn't fit my schedule. If my schedule didn't permit them, I'd do what it takes to prevent bringing one into my life. People look at animals as objects. When in fact they are real living breathing beings. There's enough children and animals out there unwanted to circle the globe a couple of times. We as adults need to be responsible. Ellen was just saying not too long ago that she wanted "Trouble" Leona Helmsleys dog. She didn't care about the money, she just wanted the dog. I'd be curious to know where she stands on that comment today.

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Nelle   Toronto, ON

10/19/2007 4:11:18 PM

Mutts and Moms have to revisit their rigid rules. The dog found a new and loving family and they took the dog away!

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rene'   plaquemine, LA

10/19/2007 3:39:29 PM

i think she should have follwed her contract!

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Julie & Justin   Chesterfield, MO

10/19/2007 5:53:49 AM

She knew when she signed the contract what the rules were she is at fault and the dog rescue people had every right to do what they did, tell her enough already she wants that family to have a dog then she should go out and get them one but enough with the pity party already, we get it she messed up it is what it is, move on

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