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I don't know what the "peta folks say". They're an extreme fanatical group and I don't condone their actions.
You've missed the point. I guess it's hopeless, for now, but I'll try once more.
There's a difference between slapstick and extreme cruelty.
And there's a difference between laughing at misfortunate occurrences happening to an adult human being "and people laugh", and those same things happening to a child or animal. (and people don't laugh)
You're missing the naivete and innocence that children and animals possess, that makes people feel sorry if that same "something cruel" happens to them vs an adult.
Apparently, this is over your head or your sensitivity has been dulled by the same type of people who make and promote this type of advertising. It's really sad when people can't see the distinction between cartoon humor and cruelty.

I don't need to "get a grip" or "lighten up". My sense of humor is intact and quite good.
You seem to have a need to label people, and your 'middle ground' is so small that anyone on either side is a fanatic. I don't think others who were repulsed by this ad are necessarily fanatics, nor do I think they'd appreciate your insinuation with your "newborn baby is thrown into a dumpster or toilet," example.
There are many people whose sentiments are in accord with mine and we're far from being fanatics. It is YOUR "complete lack of perspective (that) is mind boggling."

I've been following this thread, and while my initial reaction was that you might have been overreacting, your posts have convinced me that you are sincere in your opposition. It's all a matter of what we find funny. I'm not a cat lover, so I find the fake commercial funny, but I like little kids, so I wouldn't find it funny if this computer animation depicted the same occurance happening to a child.

One thing I didn't see you point out, that would have bolstered your case. A lot of the people who have seen or will view this video are teenaged boys, who might think about recreating this, or a similar stunt. Most won't get any further than the fantasy stage about it, but there might be some actual cruelty inspired by wide distribution of this. Look at all the idiocy the "Jackass" film has inspired.

Does the humor value of the animation cancel out the possible attempts at animal cruelty? In your mind, no, in my mind, perhaps. If it was a human child, pretty much everybody would say no. In any case, I think Ford "doth protesteth too much", and the answer is to never buy one of their vehicles again. I already have one big fat reason to never buy a Ford, and that's my wife's crappy F-150 that has cost her a mint in repairs.