Get me out of here
Suzanne Kelly argues eating insects is wrong and that some reality TV shows institutionalise animal cruelty.
As seems often to be the case, I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here – generated many controversies. Some felt that Boy George should not have been included, citing his previous imprisonment and assault of an escort. More people were angry that Matt Hancock took part – while on the government’s payroll, and while scandals continue about his role in the handling of Covid and nursing home deaths, which may have been avoidable.
Succulent Locust?
Others spared a thought for the thousands of insects, reptiles and other animals captured, killed, abused – all to make the jungle inhabitants face ‘bush tucker trials’ and other contrived contests.
One person who took action is Animal Concern’s John F Robins. He reminded Australian authorities of their very clear animal abuse laws and demanded action.
SENTIENT CREATURES
Mr Robins told Hastings Independent: “I’m a Celebrity producers regard animals as props and not sentient creatures capable of suffering fear and stress. Putting animals in close confinement with scared and nervous humans is the perfect way to cause the animals to suffer. I think three parts of local animal welfare laws have been breached and I’ve asked New South Wales Police to investigate.”
Many ecological experts fear that we are vastly changing the food chain, and claim many insect species are under threat.
Mr Robins wrote to the Australian authorities saying: “I write concerning possible breaches of your Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 on the set of TV programme I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here which is being broadcast to the UK from Creek Road, Dungay, New South Wales.
“Reptiles and other vertebrates, including rats, have been put into small spaces into which human participants then enter and try to retrieve reward tokens. In some instances, the animals and humans are in total darkness.
Grub’s Up – edible insects as German street food
CREDIT: Wilhelm Thomas Fiegge
“The natural reaction of animals when confronted by humans is to avoid contact and conflict by moving away from the humans. The sets used for this programme are designed so as to stop the animals following their natural instincts and instead the animals are forced into close contact with people. Apart from the risk of being trampled, the animals will undoubtedly be suffering extreme stress and anxiety.”
Insects play a vital part in our ecosystem and food chain. Loss of habitat, increased use of pesticides and climate change are all threatening our pollinators and other animals that supply food for birds and mammals. A recent study suggests there may be a 9% decline in many species per decade.
We may come to regret how we’ve treated creatures great and small; is it really necessary to have insects eaten alive, creatures captured and terrified so we can watch celebrities squirm in discomfort?
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply