Lassie never had to put up with this... BBC hounded for grooming contest that ‘treats dogs like commodities’
BACK in the day, the closest a dog on the BBC came to a groom was Blue Peter’s Simon.
Times have changed, however, and pet primping and preening now makes prime-time telly.
But it seems not everyone is happy with the Corporation’s latest show – Pooch Perfect, where dogs end up with everything from dyed ‘rock star’ fur to fancy painted claws. Experts have condemned the programme as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘out of touch’, and warned it could negatively influence the way families treat pets.
Pooch Perfect, hosted by Sheridan Smith, sees professional dog groomers go head-to-head in different challenges in an attempt to be crowned Britain’s best. During Thursday’s episode contestants competed in a creative challenge during which they used dye, glitter and nail polish on four dogs.
RSPCA dog welfare expert, Dr Samantha Gaines, said that while it was reassuring the show was overseen by vets, there were concerns it could perpetuate the idea that dogs are ‘commodities’.
She said: ‘Grooming is, without question, an essential part of dog ownership. However, despite the efforts to protect the welfare of dogs used in the series, we have broader concerns around how this type of programme portrays dogs and how it may influence the way people treat them.
‘Dogs have their own emotions, preferences and needs. Creative grooms and transformations including the addition of shapes and accessories to the coat, as well as the application of dyes, paints and glitter has the potential to perpetuate the idea that dogs are objects or toys; ours to objectify or treat as commodities.’
Elisa Allen, director of animal welfare group PETA, called for the BBC to axe the ‘tacky puppy pageantry’. She described the grooming as ‘asinine, disrespectful, out of touch, and potentially harmful’.
‘There’s no safe way to dye a dog or any other animal, as there will always be a risk of poisoning or allergic reactions that can even prove fatal,’ she added.
During the episode toy poodle Dolly was given a ‘rocker’ makeover with a multi-coloured Mohican and orange lightning bolt cut into its fur. The dog was further accessorised with a red varnish ‘pawdicure’ and fishnet outfit. Another dog called Noah ended up with blue bunches.
A BBC spokesman said: ‘All the products were animal safe and the grooms were performed by professionals.’ Jody Gordon, the series’ animal welfare consultant, added: ‘ The series is there to highlight the skills and knowledge of professional groomers and not to encourage owners to “experiment” with their own dog. All owners should only ever use animal safe products when grooming their dogs.’