I think it's probably a big stretch to think that electronic pets influence real pet ownership at all.

If a person is inclined to treat a real pet well, letting an electronic pet die isn't going to matter. And visa versa.

I take very good care of my real critters. But I slaughtered several electronic ones! Oops.

I think it's like saying playing a video game is going to make a kid go out and shoot people. I think not.