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Channel 4 show Scared of the Dark used a live rabbit in one of their challenges, which has sparked outrage from PETA.
The situation was part of a task where the celebrities, who are living in complete pitch-black darkness, had to guess what objects, or animal in this case, were inside the boxes using just their hands.
The animal rights organisation was disappointed that the caged rabbit was subject to this experience.
PETA Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen told Metro.co.uk: ‘This rabbit isn’t a toy, a prop, or a thing and should not be subjected to this juvenile, uninformed, and disgustingly insensitive little stunt, which needs to be scrapped instantly.’
Elisa believes that the experience would have been frightening for the rabbit and that the task was unnecessary.
‘As prey animals, being groped and poked by strangers would have been a terrifying experience, and Scared of the Dark should be ashamed of exploiting rabbits for views.
The celebrities are living in complete darkness for eight days (Picture: PA)
‘PETA urges the show’s producers to leave animals out of future episodes, as whenever animals are used as entertainment props, their best interests are left at the studio door,’ she concluded.
Channel 4 told Metro.co.uk: ‘The welfare of the rabbits featured was of paramount importance throughout and their involvement was carefully planned following advice from the licenced company who cares for them, in compliance with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
‘The rabbits chosen are trained and well used to taking part in these types of activities and their handlers were present and represented the welfare of the animals whilst on set. Animal welfare facilities were provided and filming times were set following advice from the animal provider.’
Viewers threatened to complain to Ofcom and claimed the rabbit ‘looked terrified’ in the dark environment.
One viewer fumed: ‘I can’t believe I have just seen a live rabbit be treated like that on TV in 2023.’
Another tweeted: ‘I’m not an animal activist but there shouldn’t be a live rabbit in there.’
A third person echoed: ‘Just can’t believe someone at@channel4 thought it was a great idea to put a rabbit in a box in the dark that’s gonna be whacked and prodded with hands.’
The celebrities were initially unaware that a rabbit was in the box (Picture: Channel 4)
The show’s premise means that Donna Preston, Scarlett Moffatt, Nicola Adams, Chloe Burrows, Chris Eubank, Chris McCausland, Max George and Paul Gascoigne must live in complete darkness for eight days.
The group must participate in challenges in order to maintain their place on the show hosted by Danny Dyer and win meals or treats.
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If they utter the words ‘I’m scared of the dark’ then they will be escorted back into the light.
Scared of the Dark is on Channel 4 at 9pm, and will run daily until Thursday April 20. It will also be available to watch on All4.
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‘As prey animals, being groped and poked by strangers would have been a terrifying experience.’