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Channel 4 has come under fire from Peta for featuring puppy yoga on Bake Off: The Professionals.
The animal rights group has demanded the broadcaster axe the segment, which appeared on Tuesday’s episode of the GBBO spin-off, presented by new host Ellie Taylor and Liam Charles.
While animal-related footage doesn’t typically appear on the competition series which pits pastry chefs against each other, bakers Nicoletta and Georgina were introduced to viewers through their puppy yoga hobby.
The editorial choice had already been slammed by viewers, following ITV’s recently published investigation into the practice, with one raging it was ‘disgraceful.’
Now Peta’s VP of programmes Elisa Allen has weighed in on the controversy, telling Metro.co.uk that no’ television channel should promote practices that harm animals.’
‘Peta calls on Channel 4 to axe not only its promotional videos featuring exploitative puppy yoga,’ they added.
Channel 4 viewers had criticised the show for including puppy yoga (Picture: BBC)
Peta blasted puppy yoga as ‘exploitative’ (Picture: Channel 4)
Explaining the harm of puppy yoga, Elisa said canines used in the practice suffer from ‘poor socialisation and lack of water’ and are often separated from their mother too early.
They continued it promoted the breeding of ‘pedigree’ dogs who often ‘endure severe physical problems later in life’ and is just ‘another gimmick to promote sales over rescue.’
‘It goes against one of the fundamental principles of yoga: ahimsa, doing no harm,’ Elisa added.
Ellie joined Bake Off: The Professionals as the new host (Picture: Channel 4)
‘Peta urges yogis to stay away from a cheap ploy that uses sensitive animals as props and stick to downward dog with your rescued pup.’
After ITV’s probe into puppy yoga, MPs were told classes are ‘commodifying cute animals for human gain.’
It was claimed that in some cases, puppies as young as six were denied access to water, sleep and worked for hours at a time.
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Both the RSPCA and The Kennel Club told ITV the classes should be banned after they were presented with the evidence.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
Bake Off: The Professionals airs every Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
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Peta called puppy yoga ‘exploitative.’