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I'm a Celebrity receives record number of complaints
The use of snakes and other creatures has been a constant feature of I'm a Celebrity since it first aired in 2002.

The RSPCA calls on producers to update the show 'in line with public opinion'.

The RSPCA has reported a record number of complaints about the use and portrayal of live animals in this year’s ‘I’m a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here’.

The animal charity says that some 17,000 complaints were made to ITV Viewer Services this year alone, and that despite these complaints, it is 'disappointed to see that nothing has changed'.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood called on the production company to 'think again' and 'entertain the animal-loving UK public without resorting to anti-animal trials'.

"Sadly, we are once again seeing many live animals on our TV screens put in situations that could compromise their welfare for a quick laugh,” he said. “We are also concerned at the way the programme portrays animals; it risks trivialising their lives for the sake of light ‘entertainment’.

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

The use of bugs, snakes and other creatures has been a constant feature of I'm a Celebrity since it first aired in 2002.

The RSPCA believes that – as well as causing distress to animals - the programme risks a negative portrayal of animals which may cause viewers to develop negative attitudes towards certain species. There is also concern that those watching the programme may seek to mimic particular 'Bushtucker Trials', it said.

Chris added: "It’s encouraging that a record 17,000 of our supporters have already written to ITV this year to air their views. We believe it is very possible to produce this programme without compromising the welfare of animals, so urge all those connected with 'I'm a Celebrity' to re-think and update this show in line with public opinion."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.