Fur Babies, a new series on Channel 4, claims to be a heartwarming and uplifting show about the bond between humans and their pets. However, many viewers and critics have slammed the show as a sickly-sweet and disrespectful portrayal of animals that exploits their emotions and intelligence for entertainment.
The show, hosted by comedian Tom Allen, features six celebrities who are paired with six different pets, ranging from dogs and cats to rabbits and chickens. The celebrities are supposed to spend a week with their furry or feathered friends, learning about their personalities, needs, and quirks. The show also uses a voice-over artist to give the animals a human voice, supposedly reflecting their thoughts and feelings.
The show’s producers claim that the show is a celebration of the love and joy that pets bring to people’s lives, and that it is based on scientific research and expert advice. They also say that the show is meant to raise awareness and encourage responsible pet ownership.
However, many viewers and critics have found the show to be anything but educational or respectful. Instead, they have accused the show of being a shallow and sensationalist attempt to cash in on the popularity of cute animal videos on social media, without any regard for the welfare or dignity of the animals involved.
The Criticism of Fur Babies
One of the main criticisms of the show is that it anthropomorphizes the animals, meaning that it attributes human characteristics and emotions to them, without any evidence or justification. The voice-over artist, who is supposed to represent the animals’ inner voice, often makes jokes, comments, and complaints that are clearly not based on the animals’ actual behavior or needs, but rather on the stereotypes and expectations of the human audience.
For example, in one episode, a chicken named Henrietta is paired with actor and singer Sheridan Smith, who takes her to a recording studio. The voice-over artist makes Henrietta say things like “I’m a star, darling” and “I’m not here to lay eggs, I’m here to lay down some tracks”. The show also implies that Henrietta has a crush on Smith, and that she is jealous of her boyfriend.
Many viewers and critics have pointed out that this is not only ridiculous, but also disrespectful and potentially harmful to the animals, as it ignores their natural instincts, preferences, and communication methods. It also creates unrealistic and misleading expectations for pet owners, who may think that their pets share their human emotions and interests, and may neglect their actual needs and well-being.
Another criticism of the show is that it exploits the animals for entertainment, and puts them in stressful and unnatural situations. The show often exposes the animals to loud noises, bright lights, unfamiliar environments, and strangers, without any regard for their comfort or safety. The show also makes the animals perform tricks and tasks that are not suitable for their species or abilities, such as making a dog play chess, a cat paint a picture, or a rabbit do yoga.
Many viewers and critics have argued that this is not only cruel, but also unethical and illegal, as it violates the Animal Welfare Act, which states that animals must be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease, and that they must be provided with a suitable environment, diet, and companionship. They have also questioned the role and responsibility of the celebrities and the experts who participated in the show, and whether they were aware of the potential harm and abuse that the animals were subjected to.
The Response of Channel 4
Channel 4 has defended the show, saying that it is a light-hearted and humorous show that does not intend to offend or harm anyone. The channel has also said that the show was made with the utmost care and respect for the animals, and that they were monitored and supervised by qualified veterinarians and animal behaviorists at all times. The channel has also claimed that the show has received positive feedback from many viewers and pet owners, who have enjoyed the show and found it informative and inspiring.
However, many viewers and critics have remained unconvinced and outraged by the show, and have called for its cancellation and investigation. They have also launched a petition on Change.org, demanding that Channel 4 apologize and donate the profits from the show to animal charities. The petition has already gathered over 10,000 signatures, and is still growing.
