Peta has slammed Channel 4 for including dog yoga on Bake Off: The Professionals.
The animal rights organisation has demanding that the piece, which aired on Tuesday’s edition of the GBBO spin-off hosted by new hosts Ellie Taylor and Liam Charles, be removed.
While animal-related material does not often appear on the competition series that matches pastry cooks against each other, fans were introduced to bakers Nicoletta and Georgina through their puppy yoga interest.
Following ITV’s recently released probe into the practise, viewers criticised the editorial choice, with one calling it ‘disgraceful’.’
Now Peta’s VP of programmes Elisa Allen has weighed in on the controversy, saying that no’ television channel should promote practices that harm animals.’
‘Peta calls on Channel 4 to axe not only its promotional videos featuring exploitative puppy yoga,’ they added.
In explaining the dangers of puppy yoga, Elisa stated that dogs employed in the practise suffer from “poor socialisation and a lack of water” and are frequently taken from their mothers at a young age.
They went on to say that it encouraged the production of ‘pedigree’ dogs, who frequently ‘endure significant physical difficulties later in life,’ and that it is merely ‘another gimmick to push sales above rescue.’
‘It goes against one of the fundamental principles of yoga: ahimsa, doing no harm,’ Elisa added.
‘Peta urges yogis to stay away from a cheap ploy that uses sensitive animals as props and stick to downward dog with your rescued pup.’
Following ITV’s investigation into puppy yoga, MPs were informed that classes are “commodifying adorable creatures for human advantage.”
It was stated that pups as young as six months old were refused access to water, sleep, and were forced to labour for hours at a time.
After being provided with the facts, the RSPCA and The Kennel Club both advised ITV that the courses should be prohibited.
Bake Off: The Professionals airs every Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
