Animated hit series Family Guy tracks the hijinks of the Griffin family, from left, canine companion Brian, matriarch Lois, patriarch Peter, baby Stewie, elder son Chris and daughter Meg.Animated hit series Family Guy tracks the hijinks of the Griffin family, from left, canine companion Brian, matriarch Lois, patriarch Peter, baby Stewie, elder son Chris and daughter Meg. (Fox Broadcasting/Associated Press)

Venezuelan authorities plan to fine cable television companies that refuse to stop airing the animated television series Family Guy.

Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami says the program should be pulled from the airwaves because it promotes the use of marijuana.

El Aissami was outraged by a recent episode in which the show's characters started a campaign to legalize marijuana.

He said Thursday that cable networks that broadcast Family Guy would be fined by Venezuela's telecommunications regulator if they refuse to dump the program.

The government of President Hugo Chavez is preparing to impose new regulations on cable television. Among other rules, cable providers could be forced to carry Chavez's frequent speeches.