A Message From the RWAF re the CH4 Programme ‘Scared of the Dark’

[InspectorMorse]

‘’Last night Channel 4s ‘Scared of the dark’ involved celebrities completing an identification task, in the pitch black. A rabbit was trapped in a box and the participants had to guess what it was. You can watch from 13 minutes here:
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/scared-of-the-dark...
The host Danny Dyer said it himself, "poor little Thumper", we think our Patron Dr Emma Milne sums it up perfectly.
“At what point did this pass any sort of scrutiny from the TV company beforehand? You have a prey animal, alone, with nowhere to hide or escape, being screamed at and manhandled solely for human entertainment. There is zero justification for this and, worse, from an animal welfare perspective it is simply unforgivable.”
Dr Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
Patron RWAF
If you would like to complain about this programme you can do it here:
https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us’’

 

[tonibun]

It's come up "Page cannot be found". Poor Bunny!

 

[Pets mum]

Yes it's come up the same for me. I hope that means that they've been inundated with complaints, and rightly so, just disgusting

 

[InspectorMorse]

The page was loading earlier this morning so hopefully it does mean that they are taking notice. Not holding my breath though.

 

[keletkezes]

New link: https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us Does that work?

ETA this is probably the first time I've ever felt strongly enough about something to actually complain

ETA2: received a very quick (copy&paste) response:

Dear Dawn,

Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Scared of the Dark.

The welfare of the animals was of paramount importance and their involvement was carefully planned following advice from the licenced company who cares for them, in compliance with the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018. Animal 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.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise.

Regards,

Anna Smith
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries

You know, reading that, what makes someone qualified to be a 'handler' of a certain animal? Can I be a toad handler because I really like picking them up? It certainly sounds like the animal 'provider'/handler didn't give much of a thought to the especially mental welfare of the specific animal IMO.

 

[Omi]

New link: https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us Does that work?

ETA this is probably the first time I've ever felt strongly enough about something to actually complain

ETA2: received a very quick (copy&paste) response:

You know, reading that, what makes someone qualified to be a 'handler' of a certain animal? Can I be a toad handler because I really like picking them up? It certainly sounds like the animal 'provider'/handler didn't give much of a thought to the especially mental welfare of the specific animal IMO.

Good point :thumb: Well we know how much care of suitcases comes within the remit of 'baggage handler' :lol:

 

[bunny momma]

Heartbreaking.