I’m A Celebrity is hit with a record 17,000 complaints over use of animals in the Bushtucker Trials

I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here! has received a record number of complaints about the use of live animals in its Bushtucker Trials.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has received 17,000 complaints from viewers about the use of animals in the challenges.

This year’s series of the show uses reptiles, spiders, eels and a variety of other critters for the trials.

Not impressed: I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here! has received a record number of complaints about the use of live animals in its Bushtucker Trials

The celebrities must compete in the challenges to win food for the camp or else they must live on a diet of rice and beans.

The show has used animals in its trials since its first series in 2002, but many viewers aren’t happy about it.

Celebrities have often had to eat animal parts during some trials, with Katie Price and Kim Woodburn memorably chewing fish eyes, cockroaches and a kangaroo testicle in the 2009 series.

Last year’s show reportedly saw more than 13,000 complaints about the use of animals, with the RSPCA saying they were ‘concerned’ about the way I’m A Celebrity ‘portrays’ animals.

Complaints: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has received 17,000 complaints from viewers about the use of animals in the challenges

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: ‘Unfortunately, once again we see many live animals on our TV screens being put in situations that could put their welfare at risk for a quick laugh.

‘We are also concerned about the way the program depicts animals; it risks trivializing their lives for the sake of light “entertainment.”

“With people discussing how scared they are and animals portrayed in such a negative light, this program is a far cry from the RSPCA’s vision of a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion.

And now that animal consciousness – the ability of animals to have positive and negative experiences such as pain, fear or pleasure – is recognized in UK law, depicting live animals in this way for UK viewers in I’m a Celebrity is out of sync with this progressive step back home.

Criticism: This year’s series of the show has used reptiles, spiders, eels and a variety of other critters for the trials

“We’ve previously urged the production company behind I’m a Celebrity to think again – and entertain animal-loving British audiences without resorting to anti-animal Bushtucker Trials; and now thousands of supporters have written to ITV Viewer Services to support us too.

He said: ‘It is encouraging that a record 17,000 of our supporters have already written to ITV this year to express their views.

“We believe it is entirely possible to produce this program without compromising animal welfare, so urge everyone involved in ‘I’m a Celebrity’ to rewatch this show and to operate in accordance with public opinion.”

The RSPCA believes that – in addition to causing suffering to animals – the program risks causing a negative portrayal of animals, which could lead viewers to develop a negative perception of certain species.

Trials: The celebrities must compete in the challenges to win food for the camp or else they must live on a diet of rice and beans

Responding to the complaints, an ITV spokesperson said: ‘We are always completely transparent about our protocols and we have a very strict environmental plan for the show.

“As a manufacturer, we adhere to all regional and national laws regarding the use of insects, animals and reptiles.

“Welfare and safety are always the number one priority in all of our programs, and at any Bushtucker trial involving animals, we always have qualified and experienced animal handlers on site.

“We inform the RSPCA NSW of all our activities at the show and they have an open invitation to attend the site at any time.

“We cannot stress enough that we have strict protocols to ensure that animals are handled safely at all times, before, during and after filming, in compliance with all regional and national laws.”

ITV said in response: ‘We cannot stress enough that we have strict protocols to ensure that animals are treated safely at all times, before, during and after filming, in compliance with all regional and national laws’