RSPCA accuses BBC of ‘ objectifying’ dogs
TV bosses are under fire after campaigners claimed a new dog show sends out a “worrying message” and “objectifies” the animals.
BBC One’s new series Pooch Perfect stars Sheridan Smith, who is on a mission to find the nation’s top pup groomer.
But the trailer for the show, which starts tonight, has sparked fury after it featured a dog with bright blue ears.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines welcomed the show using a vet on set.
But she added: “We do not believe animals should be painted or dyed for cosmetic reasons. Our pets are intelligent. Treating them in this way sends out a worrying message that they are ours to objectify and treat as fashion accessories or toys.”
British Veterinary Association senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “Most owners consider pets a part of the family, which is great, but we should remember that pets are not fashion accessories.”
And animal behaviourist Hannah Molloy said the public may start dyeing their dogs with unsafe ingredients.
She said: “The BBC needs to think of the impact on human behaviour when creating shows like this. I doubt the British public are as likely to access ethical dyes.” The BBC yesterday defended the move, saying that the dye was “animal safe and temporary”. A spokesman said: “When colour was used it was kept to a minimum. It washed out almost immediately and was only used in the minority of challenges to demonstrate specific areas of skill and creativity.”
As well as a vet, the BBC said it had an RSPCA- approved animal welfare consultant and a grooming consultant working on the series.
It is the second row involving dogs to engulf the broadcaster after 50 MPs condemned the decision to air a BBC Three show about puppy breeding as “extremely irresponsible”.
The MPs have told BBC directorgeneral Tim Davie to scrap the programme, first called Will My Puppies Make Me Rich before being renamed Britain’s Puppy Boom. They said it aims to “glamorise” dog breeding as a “get- rich- quick scheme”.
Campaigners have spoken of their fears that the show will encourage puppy farming, and 208,000 people have signed a petition against it.
In a letter, organised by Crawley MP Henry Smith, the MPs told Mr Davie: “We believe you have a huge responsibility to set and maintain the very highest ethical standards and a programme of this nature appears at odds with this.”
Paul O’Grady, who fronts ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs, called the idea for the show “shameful”.
The programme is said to “look at some of the 20- somethings wanting to launch businesses breeding designer canines”.