Channel 4 show Scared Of The Dark has been hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints.
The series, hosted by Danny Dyer, featured eight celebrities in a pitch black bunker having to negotiate their way through a series of challenges.
However, 302 viewers in total contacted the broadcasting watchdog with complaints about the programme, with many, including the RSPCA, raising concern for a rabbit used in a task.
The stars had to put their hands in a series of boxes and feel their way around to work out what’s inside.
Read more: Black Sheep brewery looking at all options as part of major review
But viewers were worried the rabbit and other animals involved in the task would have been scared sitting in a tiny box as they watched Scarlett Moffatt and Chris McCausland shriek and ‘prod’ the bunny, not knowing what it was.
Channel 4 show Scared Of The Dark has been hit with hundred of Ofcom complaints over the concern of a rabbit used in a challenge.
Viewers vented on Twitter at the time, with the RSPCA saying they were also concerned.
One wrote: ‘Just watching yesterday’s ‘Scared of the Dark’ and wanted to tell you that to use a live rabbit, locked in a box with two screaming humans poking and prodding it isn’t great TV, in fact, it’s disgusting.’
RSPCA wrote in response: ‘We were concerned to hear about this. The RSPCA is against the use of animals in entertainment if distress is caused or is likely to be caused so we will be writing to the production company to point out our concerns, and also offering our advice on best practice going forward.’
Channel 4 later released a comment which read: ‘The welfare of the rabbits featured was of paramount importance throughout and their involvement was carefully planned following advice from the licensed company who cares for them, in compliance with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) 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.’
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here