Scared Of The Dark hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints from viewers furious at ‘animal cruelty’
NEW Channel 4 show Scared Of The Dark has been hit by hundreds of Ofcom complaints from viewers furious over “animal cruelty”.
Fans were disappointed to see a rabbit being used as part of one of the tasks – saying it caused the animal to be frightened.
Scared Of The Dark – which came to an end last week – saw a band of celebrities plunged into the dark for eight days.
The group, which included show winner Paul Gascoigne, boxer Chris Eubank and Love Island‘s Chloe Burrows, were tasked with competing in a series of challenges to win rewards.
Last week, the celebrities were asked to put their hands in a series of boxes to try to identify different objects.
While a number of strangely-shaped objects had been hidden away, a live rabbit was also used as part of the game.
The celebs were seen plunging their arms into the box and prodding at the animal, with some screaming and making loud noises.
It left fans furious and taking to Twitter to complain, saying there was “no need” to watch the celebs “poke at the poor rabbit”.
“Oh. I’m enjoying this show but using a rabbit for this task is wrong,” one said. “Uncomfortable seeing them poke and grab at a poor rabbit in pitch black darkness.”
“None of that please, there’s no need,” they added.
A second said: “Can’t believe someone at Channel 4 thought it was a great idea to put a rabbit in a box in the dark that’s gonna be whacked and prodded with hands.”
“That poor rabbit, the way they grabbed and prodded it. They shouldn’t have put an animal in this. Horrible,” a third said.
And now it’s been revealed that dozens more complained over the scenes, with 302 viewers heading to Ofcom to hit out.
In a statement issued to OK!, a Channel 4 representative said: “The welfare of the rabbits featured was of paramount importance.”
“Their involvement was carefully planned following advice from the licensed company who cares for them, in compliance with the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018,” they added.
“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.”
Scared of the Dark is available to stream on Channel 4