New etiquette?

The world took a further dip into the stupid side today. I just heard on the news that the animal rights people feel that calling our dogs, cats, etc. a 'pet' is somehow disrespectful to them. They should be referred to as companion animals. Wildlife? They should be called 'free living'. Oh, and such phrases as 'clever as a fox' shouldn't be used. Okay, I'll go for that since none of these people who thought this stuff up is 'wise as an owl'. I'm waiting for our dog, Chick, to serve with notice for her having such a derogatory name.