I’m A Celebrity South Africa viewers furious as ITV refuses to listen to wave of complaints: 'Those poor snakes!'
Many have called for an end of the show's use of animals in Bushtucker Trials
I’m A Celebrity South Africa faced backlash last night (April 8) as Seann Walsh and Sinitta took part in the Venom Verdict trial.
The trial saw Sinitta and Seann placing their heads inside perspex helmets. They were then filled with snakes. The pair had more and more snakes piled into their helmets depending on whether their fellow campmates answered Ant and Dec’s questions correctly.
At the end of the episode, viewers were treated to another disappointing cliffhanger, as they were forced to wait to see how Seann and Sinitta did in the trial. And, as well as complaints about that, ITV was also hit with claims of animal cruelty. Many viewers took to social media to explain that they were feeling sorry for the ‘”poor snakes”.
ITV slammed over I’m A Celebrity South Africa Vernon Verdict trial
Last night, many I’m A Celebrity South Africa viewers took to social media to explain they were feeling sorry for the ‘”poor snakes” used in the trial.
Animal rights organisation PETA has previously criticised the show. It argued the show should be “taken off air” because of animals being used in Bushtucker Trials.
At the end of last night’s show, a message displayed in the credits preempted potential complaints. It read: “I’m A Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals.”
A spokesman has also previously attempted to reassure viewers over the safety of the animals used during the show.
A statement 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. The team at I’m A Celebrity… have many years of experience in producing the show. They 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.”
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
However, last night’s trial prompted fresh complaints. As a result, could ITV be at risk of losing viewers if it continues to ignore complaints about the use of live animals in trials?
Viewers hit out at ITV
“How many snakes will actually fit in there? Because it’s not just one at a time. And surely this is longer than 10 minutes they’ve been in there as well,” said one concerned viewer.
“Those poor snakes!” another agreed. “So many snakes in those helmets,” said a third.
“Not watched this for years and still something not right abusing animals. Whether that be snakes or spiders. Surely in this day and age ITV can find alternative entertainment,” another pleaded.
“I feel sorry for the snakes getting squeezed in there. Especially with all the screaming from Sinitta,” another commented.
And it’s not the first time ITV has been blasted for the use of animals – dead or alive – in its trials.
Last year, one viewer commented: Am I just getting sensitive in my old age or are these eating Bushtucker Trials a bit cruel? Poor animals,” said one. Another added: “Animal cruelty surely!”
A third said: “Long overdue time to rethink/stop the use of Animals in ANY form of entertainment, none do it willingly.”
Read more: Where I’m A Celebrity South Africa is filmed and when it was recorded
