Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the puppy breeding documentary to be pulled.

BBC responds to criticism over programme entitled 'Will my puppies make me rich?'

More than 95,000 people have signed a petition calling on the BBC to prevent the release of a controversial documentary about dog breeding.

The BBC Three programme entitled 'Will my puppies make me rich?' follows young people as they launch new businesses breeding designer puppies. Produced by Salford-based production company Nine Lives, the official synopsis reads:

'With average puppy prices doubling in the last six months because of COVID-19, this timely film will look at some of the 20-somethings looking to launch new businesses breeding designer canines.

'Analysis suggests that workers aged 25 and under based in the North West are four times more likely to face job losses due to the pandemic than any other age group. With prospects looking grim, aspirational social media savvy individuals in the North are learning the ropes when it comes to breeding, and capitalising on the demand for designer dogs.'

But animal welfare charities, celebrities and members of the public have condemned the show and the negative impact it could have on animal welfare. At the time of writing, a petition calling on producers to stop the documentary has garnered 95,719 signatures. It states:

'The show will highlight so-called “designer dogs” promoting the buying of dogs, many of whom have been bred to have a certain aesthetic. This leads to painful health conditions; flattened skulls, compressed spinal cords, extreme breathing difficulties, eye and ear problems to name a few.

'There are thousands of dogs in shelters needing homes, we do not need a program that promotes breeding and selling puppies as a get rich quick scheme or a career.'

The RSPCA said it had also written to the BBC encouraging them to 'rethink' the programme. A statement posted on Twitter reads:

'We’re concerned about @BBCThree's commissioned 'Will My Puppies Make Me Rich?' programme as it could lead to dog welfare issues and glamorise breeding. Along with other welfare and vet organisations, we've written to the programme-makers and the BBC urging them to rethink.'

The letter has received the support of Dogs Trust, PDSA, the Scottish SPCA and the BVA. Actor Peter Egan has also backed the call, tweeting: 'I’m delighted to see @RSPCA_official have raised their concerns with the BBC about @bbcthree’s dreadful idea. It is really ill-thought out and not good programming.'

'Will my puppies make me rich?' will reportedly make clear that puppies are 'for life and not just lockdown' and will explore 'bad breeders’ looking to profit from the pandemic. It will also discuss what constitutes good and bad practice in the world of dog breeding, the synopsis said. 

The BBC has responded to the criticism, stating that the programme 'does not glamorise dog breeding, it responsibly examines the growing rise of young people entering the business and highlights the importance of good animal welfare, training and licensing.

'The production team are working closely with animal experts throughout to inform the audience of what constitutes good and bad practice,' the BBC said.