Scared of the Dark accused of 'exploiting' rabbit in 'disgustingly insensitive' task
Celebrities had to identify items in boxes by feeling them - including a live rabbit.
Scared Of The Dark has been branded "disgustingly insensitive" for "exploiting" a live rabbit in a task on the Channel 4 reality show by animal rights group PETA.
Celebrity contestants including former footballer Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne, Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt, boxer Chris Eubank and former Love Island contestant Chloe Burrows were challenged with identifying items in boxes by touching and feeling them.
The first item in the the task was a live rabbit which could be seen leaping in fright and then cowering in the corner of the box as Gazza and Burrows jabbed at it with their fingers and Burrows screamed.
Read more: Stacey Solomon blasted over rabbit welfare in Sort Your Life Out
Host Danny Dyer cringed and exclaimed: "Ah, that poor little thumper."
PETA spokesperson Elisa Allen told Yahoo 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.
"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.
"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."
Several viewers shared their plans to complain to broadcasting regulator Ofcom and used the hashtag #animalcruelty.
One viewer said: "I can’t believe I have just seen a live rabbit be treated like that on TV in 2023 #ScaredOfTheDark."
Another tweeted: "Oh. I’m enjoying this show but using a rabbit for this task is wrong. That was uncomfortable to watch, seeing them poke and grab at a poor rabbit in pitch black darkness. None of that please. There’s no need. #ScaredOfTheDark"
One viewer observed: "#ScaredOfTheDark That poor rabbit. The way they grabbed and prodded it. They shouldn’t have put an animal in this when they can’t see it. They aren’t going to be gentle with it as they are scared. Horrible."
Another asked: "Who made that decision@Channel4 to do that to the poor Rabbit? #AnimalCruelty #ScaredOfTheDark"
And another pointed out: "Loving this programme but don’t think they should have used a real rabbit #ScaredOfTheDark"
A spokesperson for Channel 4 told Yahoo 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 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."
Read more: Scared of the Dark: 'Celebrity Big Brother with the lights off' say viewers
The new reality show sees eight celebrities living together in a pitch black bunker for eight days. If they want to leave they just have to say "I'm scared of the dark" and at the end of the five night series one will be crowned the winner.
Watch: Danny Dyer in Channel 5 drama Heat
