I apologize if this point has already been mentioned, but in my light skimming today I didn't notice it. I think that focussing on the dead ferrets fed to Buckbeak is missing a much bigger issue and a positive message. One of the central plots in the latest Harry Potter movie involves Buckbeak, who is sentenced to death after injuring Malfoy. Malfoy behaves foolishly around Buckbeak and is injured as a direct result of his own stupidity, when he directly contradicts instructions given by Hagrid, Buckbeak's keeper, on how to treat the animal. The Authorities decide that Buckbeak is a vicious, dangerous animal and that he must be executed. The plot moves on and is too complicated to explain here, but the central characters (Harry, Hermione, and Ron) ultimately decide, after strong hinting from the Headmaster, on an act of civil disobedience. They steal Buckbeak away just prior to his execution. This one decision changes the critical outcome of the rest of the plot, and Buckbeak carries another falsely-accused soul away from The Authorities to safety. Well, I think it's all very interesting and highly relevant to our oft-villified pets. I like seeing a movie that contains such strong lessons in personal responsibility and caretaking of an unusual animal. I think that this overall plot of the latest Harry Potter movie shows older children (1) animals must be treated with respect; (2) if you are hurt by an animal while behaving foolishly around the animal, it is your own fault and not the animal's; (4) sometimes animals might need protection from unjust "Authorities." Best wishes, -Pam S. [Posted in FML issue 4542]