Animal Welfare Concerns About ‘I’m a Celebrity’ Show
There has always been a large percentage of England’s population concerned over the ethics of the TV series ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’. Which uses challenges for contestants to be scared by (or sometimes eat) various creatures ‘out in the bush’, when filmed in Australia (or sometimes other countries).
Each year, Ofcom receives thousands of complaints about the show. There are genuine concerns for both welfare over creatures either caged, scared or eaten for ‘entertainment’. But also it disrupts ecosystems (these are creatures that would in nature be food for other creatures).
BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham recently wrote an open letter to the producers (which has been viewed over 1 million times) asking the makers to finally can a program he says has had its day:
Circuses have gone, dancing bears have gone, cock-and-dog fighting are the sad preserve of psychopathic criminals. We have no performing dolphins and no chimpanzees dressed up for tea time.
The cruel exploitation of wildlife for gratuitous entertainment, continues to damage the reputation of a ‘nation of animal lovers’.
Although ITV states that it ‘complies with the laws of Australia’s RSPCA’, our own charity is also concerned and has frequently asked the producers to stop harming other creatures. In the name of raising the profile of ‘celebrities’ or has-been politicians wishing to raise their profiles.
RSPCA has also raised concerns about many of the creatures featured in the program, being frequently chased, dropped or living in overcrowded conditions.
The program also sends a strong message to the viewing public, that ‘insects’ are of no value. In fact, incredible insects are vital to ecosystems, and one of the most important species on our planet.
Money Could Be Spent Elsewhere
ITV often pays huge amounts of money to ‘secure’ contestants for the show (disgraced MP Matt Hancock was paid £350,000) with one contestant apparently receiving £1.5 million for participating. The charity World Animal Protection gives information on how this amount of money could instead be used:
- Put pressure on world leaders to end the global wildlife trade.
- Stop big cats being exploited for trophy hunting (remember Cecil the lion?)
- Power campaigns to end cruel treatment of elephants for tourism
- Maintain and refurbish sanctuaries for bears rescued from the bile industry
- Improve public awareness on why to avoid tourist aquariums (and fund ocean sanctuaries)
- Fund work with governments and food producers to end factory farming.
In England, it’s now illegal to hunt foxes or produce fur or foie gras, yet still one of the most popular TV shows involves harming animals for ‘entertainment’.
When panicked contestants are crawling through mazes with insects, spiders and snakes all around them, and having uncontrollable reactions like shaking, flicking hands and moving carelessly, it’s impossible that none of the animals are harmed. Is festive television the forgotten bloodsport? Surge Activism
