dumblepaws
Mama Doe
BBC said this about the topsy and tim episode
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We raised your concerns with Cbeebies and they replied as follows:
“We understand that some viewers had concerns about the rabbit ‘Wiggles’ in an episode of CBeebies drama series ‘Topsy and Tim’ shown on 8 July. Most of the concerns related to the rabbit’s welfare during filming, the depiction of its environment, and how it was shown being cared for.
Firstly, we would like to reassure viewers that the UK has the strictest regulations in the world regarding performing animals in films and television, and production can be shut down instantly by unannounced and unscheduled visits to the studios by the authorities. Consequently the UK has the best and most highly sought-after professional animal handlers in the world.
The key UK regulations that govern animals in filming are the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Performing Animals Act 1925. The welfare regulations also apply to the dog, cats and guinea pigs that have also appeared in the series. The rabbit ‘Wiggles’ came from the production company’s regular animal handling company, who can only work in the industry with an approved licence via the triple assessment of local council, veterinary surgeon and DEFRA. These handlers have also regularly supplied animals to the RSPCA for its advertising campaigns.
Secondly, ‘Topsy and Tim’ is not a pet magazine show, nor is it ‘educational’ programming; it is dramatic fiction depicting the day-to-day lives and interests of ordinary children in an archetypal family setting. Independent production company Darrall Macqueen’s focus in adapting and producing Topsy and Tim was to remain true to the classic and much-loved book series while delivering to an audience of 4-6 year-olds quality storytelling that is engaging and funny, and which explores some of the emotions and situations they experience on a daily basis.
There is a wealth of excellent advice and information on pet and animal welfare covering the topics of housing, feeding and general care, available from multiple sources both on-line and through various specialist agencies and veterinary practices. We would encourage parents or other adults considering taking on responsibility for a pet for themselves or their children to seek out such information through those sources.”
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We raised your concerns with Cbeebies and they replied as follows:
“We understand that some viewers had concerns about the rabbit ‘Wiggles’ in an episode of CBeebies drama series ‘Topsy and Tim’ shown on 8 July. Most of the concerns related to the rabbit’s welfare during filming, the depiction of its environment, and how it was shown being cared for.
Firstly, we would like to reassure viewers that the UK has the strictest regulations in the world regarding performing animals in films and television, and production can be shut down instantly by unannounced and unscheduled visits to the studios by the authorities. Consequently the UK has the best and most highly sought-after professional animal handlers in the world.
The key UK regulations that govern animals in filming are the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Performing Animals Act 1925. The welfare regulations also apply to the dog, cats and guinea pigs that have also appeared in the series. The rabbit ‘Wiggles’ came from the production company’s regular animal handling company, who can only work in the industry with an approved licence via the triple assessment of local council, veterinary surgeon and DEFRA. These handlers have also regularly supplied animals to the RSPCA for its advertising campaigns.
Secondly, ‘Topsy and Tim’ is not a pet magazine show, nor is it ‘educational’ programming; it is dramatic fiction depicting the day-to-day lives and interests of ordinary children in an archetypal family setting. Independent production company Darrall Macqueen’s focus in adapting and producing Topsy and Tim was to remain true to the classic and much-loved book series while delivering to an audience of 4-6 year-olds quality storytelling that is engaging and funny, and which explores some of the emotions and situations they experience on a daily basis.
There is a wealth of excellent advice and information on pet and animal welfare covering the topics of housing, feeding and general care, available from multiple sources both on-line and through various specialist agencies and veterinary practices. We would encourage parents or other adults considering taking on responsibility for a pet for themselves or their children to seek out such information through those sources.”
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