“I’m A Celebrity” Under Fire for Animal Welfare Concerns Amidst 71,000 Complaints

Despite facing a staggering 71,000 complaints last year regarding animal welfare, the popular ITV series “I’m A Celebrity” continues to use live animals, including birds, reptiles, and insects, for entertainment purposes. The show’s return with its All-Stars series, filmed in South Africa, sparked outrage among fans who took to social media to voice their concerns.

In the first animal-related trial, Janice Dickinson, Shaun Ryder, and Paul Burrell were asked to place their hands in pockets filled with rats, spiders, and other creepy crawlies. The continued use of animals in the show’s challenges has left fans incensed, with many describing it as traumatizing and unnecessary.

Twitter users criticized the show for prioritizing human entertainment over animal welfare. One user wrote, “I see I’m A Celeb is still traumatizing animals in the name of entertainment, but because they aren’t cute and fluffy, people don’t give a s**t.” Another added, “I hate this. There is no need to use animals it’s disgusting,” while a third stated, “Human narcissism takes precedence over animal welfare.”

The RSPCA echoed these concerns in a tweet before the first show: “As a new series of I’m A Celeb launches, we fear that year again we’ll see live animals being exploited for entertainment purposes.”

Last year, the RSPCA received 17,000 complaints from viewers regarding animals used in the challenges, while Animal rights organization PETA was inundated with 54,000 complaints. Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, expressed his disappointment, saying, “Sadly, we are once again seeing many live animals on our TV screens put in situations that could compromise their welfare for a quick laugh.”

PETA went a step further, sending an open letter to the show’s hosts, Ant and Dec, urging them to quit the show due to welfare concerns. In response to the mounting criticism, a spokesperson for “I’m A Celebrity” told the Daily Star, “I’m A Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals and we are proud of our exemplary production practices.”

Despite the show’s assurances, the continued use of animals in challenges remains a point of contention among fans, Animal rights activists, and organizations like the RSPCA and PETA.

We can help these animals by not supporting the businesses that exploit them. Refrain from buying tickets to circuses, zoos, or movies that use wild animals. This will leave these companies with less financial Support to keep their cruel practices going.

These animals need us to speak for them, so if you see an exotic animal living in terrible conditions as a pet (or one that is illegally owned), say something! You can report suspected abuse to local police, who can take necessary action. This small action might not make a difference for every animal suffering.

Check out these 5 Humane Ways to Be ‘Entertained’ by Animals Without Exploiting Them!

Speak Up by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

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• Yes! New Act States Animals Used in Research at Publicly Funded Institutions Must Get a Chance at Adoption
• Empty the Cages! How We’re Fighting for the Freedom of Animals Used for Entertainment
• New Group Created to Safeguard Animals Used in Entertainment
• Russian Soldiers Accused of Hanging Animals in Trees in Ukraine
• Jordan Peele’s New Film ‘Nope’ Reminds Us of Abused and Exploited Animals of Hollywood

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