one green planet
one green planet

A reality tv show has received thousands of complaints from viewers over the use of animals in the show’s Bushtucker Trials.

Source: TalkTV/YouTube

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has reportedly received 17,000 complaints from viewers over animals being used and exploited in challenges. The show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! often uses reptiles, spiders, eels, and other animals for use in their challenges. Celebrities must compete and win the challenges to win food for their camp.

Animals were first used on the show back in 2002, but many viewers and increasingly upset about it. Celebrities have eaten everything from fish eyes to cockroaches and even kangaroo testicles. Last year’s show racked up over 13,000 complaints over the use of animals as well.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said, “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.”

“We are also concerned at the way the programme portrays animals; it risks trivialising their lives for the sake of light ‘entertainment’.”

A spokesperson for the show said that they follow protocol and have a qualified and experienced animal handler on-site during the challenges, but that doesn’t mean anything when the animals are being eaten and killed during challenges.

“‘We’ve previously urged the production company behind I’m a Celebrity to think again – and entertain the animal-loving UK public without resorting to anti-animal Bushtucker Trials, and now thousands of supporters have written to ITV Viewer Services to back us too.”

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!

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