I’m A Celebrity have been pressured to ban the use of animals in trials after the reality show received thousands of Ofcom complaints.
The ITV show received 11,000 complaints about live animals and critters, which could put bosses under pressure.
This year’s cast has been relocated to North Wales instead of filming in Australia amid the pandemic.
Since the move, the number of complaints have spiraled, though producers have been using rats, snakes, mealworms and cockroaches throughout the years.
This comes after the RSPCA told The Sun that a campaign had seen 10,697 contact the TV watchdog over their use of animals.
The show has moved to North Wales this year (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Thousands of critters have been used in the trials so far, from the girls’ horrific spa trial to AJ’s Chamber of Horrors, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to the publication, the RSPCA said: “Since I’m A Celebrity was first aired animals have been dropped, thrown, handled roughly, crushed, chased, overcrowded, scared by contestants and prevented from escaping from stressful experiences.
“Sadly, there have also been incidents where animals have been killed for no other purpose than entertainment.
I’m a Celeb received 11,000 Ofcom complaints about live animals and critters (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“Only last year Wales banned the use of wild animals for entertainment in circuses, so surely we can move on from using any animal purely for our fun?”
An ITV spokesperson told the publication: “I’m A Celebrity complies with animal welfare law concerning the use of animals.”
The Mirror has also contacted ITV for comment.
An insider added that the operator used for the programme has extensive experience in caring for the animals for the film and TV industry.
The RSPCA has previously complained about the treatment of animals on the show (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
They continued: “They have a Five Star Animal Welfare Licence for this type of work. They also hold an Animal Performers Licence which is applicable in Wales.
“Our experienced animal handlers look after the animals during filming and many of them belong to the animal handlers.”
*I’m A Celebrity airs tonight at 9pm on ITV
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
