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Megan McCubbin, one of the hosts of the nature show Springwatch, has voiced displeasure with the animal welfare standards on the popular reality TV show “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here”. The reality show has previously come under fire from viewers for its animal abuse. Although the show maintains that they follow strict protocols, many animals can be seen forced into abusive or unnatural situations throughout the series. 

Source: TalkTV/YouTube

McCubbin and her father, Chris Packham, host the nature program Springwatch. In the nature lover’s opinion, the show’s verbal treatment of animals is negative for both the animals and viewers. Due to the treatment of animals on “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here”, McCubbin refuses to watch the show.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here” often features animals such as insects, rodents, and reptiles on the show. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), animals featured on the show have been thrown, dropped, inappropriately handled, crushed, scared, chased, and otherwise exploited as a part of the show. In 2009, contestants Gino D’Acampo and Stuart Manning were charged with animal cruelty after catching, killing, and eating a rat after being placed in “exile” on the show. As part of this “exile”, they were provided with rice and beans to eat. However, the two decided that this food was not enough and used a knife to kill a rat. The group then cooked and ate the murdered creature. In 2022, the organization stated that it received more than 17,000 complaints from viewers regarding the treatment of animals as part of the show. 

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here” and parent company ITV insist that they follow all regulations around animal treatment on the show. They say that they keep the RSPCA NSW informed of any activities involving animals on the show. Additionally, they supposedly have qualified animal handlers present whenever scenes involving animals are being filmed. 

Despite the show’s reassurances, McCubbin is not the only one to speak out against their animal welfare practices. International animal welfare organization PETA has also taken a stand against the show. The organization has called upon the hosts Ant and Dec to step down from the show until the use of animals for entertainment is halted. 

Sign this petition Asking I’m A Celebrity to Stop Using Animals on The Show!

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Tiny Rescue Animal Collection

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