I’m A Celeb hit with animal abuse claims as ‘disgusting’ tradition is called out
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! has faced animals 'cruelty' claims, after animal welfare charities have urged the show to stop 'abusing' animals for the sake of entertainment.
If there's one thing that the hit ITV show is infamous for, it's making celebrities face the most gruelling of eating challenges.
Campmates come up against a whole host of animal body parts to consume, with the latest including a pig's eye, goats testicle, bull's penis, fermented herring, and lots more.
Maura Higgins and Rev Richard Coles were selected to partake in the first eating trial of the series, and fans were impressed with how well they took it on - winning a junk food buffet for the entire camp.
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However, some fans are calling for an end to the eating challenges, after several charities have branded the act as 'animal abuse'.
In a statement, animal welfare charity PETA said: "Killing animals off camera before contestants are pressured into eating them - or using them in tired, tacky, and cruel stunts - must end."
On social media, one activist said: "Never watched this s***, and never will.
"The cruelty to/exploitation of wildlife here for human entertainment is beyond disgusting. There's NO justification for it, and this show should have been stopped years ago."
PETA say that unlike the celebrities, the animals involved in the show had no choice to be there.
They added that the creatures are restricted to 'small and unfamiliar' spaces, during the filming of the show, in an attempt to 'boost ratings'.
Dr Ros Clubb, Head of Wildlife at the RSPCA, previously commented: "Programmes like 'I'm A Celebrity' are still flagrantly disregarding the welfare of animals in the interest of a quick thrill and there's currently nothing in the Broadcasting Code to dissuade them."
Despite animal use being a controversial feature in the show, I'm A Celeb has continued to involve them over two decades on from the first episode airing.
In tonight's episode (November 25), Dean McCullough will face yet another Bushtucker trial - after being consistently voted for challenges since the series began.
The Radio 1 presenter will take on 'Jack and the Screamstalk', but fans are saying enough is enough.
Even Ant and Dec admitted they wanted to see 'other faces' down at the trials, questioning 'who' was still voting for Dean.
A show spokesman said "As a production, I’m A Celebrity… complies with all regional and national laws concerning the use of all animals, including reptiles and insects. We inform the RSPCA NSW of all of our activities on the show and they have an open invitation to attend the site at any time.
"The team at I’m A Celebrity… have many years of experience in producing the show and have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely before, during and after filming, in compliance with all regional and national laws. Welfare and safety is always our primary priority."
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Topics: Im A Celebrity, Animals, Celebrity, TV And Film, Entertainment
Mia Williams