PETA Slams Rebel Wilson's 'Pooch Perfect' Show Dog Excuse: Your Program Belongs In The Doghouse!
April 5 2021, Updated 5:57 p.m. ET
PETA is clapping back at Rebel Wilson's show Pooch Perfect after staffers told RadarOnline.com it wasn't "dog abuse" because these animals are show dogs and "they're used to this."
We broke the story, days after viewers accused ABC of "dog abuse," staffers came out swinging to RadarOnline.com defending the competition series.
Insiders claimed "doggie abuse" couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, we were told that production is doing everything in their power to ensure the pets on set are cared for.
Despite "multiple dog handlers" and sometimes even "dog owners" on set, Pooch Perfect sources told RadarOnline.com that many of the animals are show dogs and "they're used to this sort of upkeep."
But PETA is saying not so fast.
'Pooch Perfect' Staffers Laugh Off 'Doggie Abuse' Claims, Say Pups Are Treated Like Royalty!
Talking exclusively to RadarOnline.com, PETA says that excuse doesn't make it acceptable.
"Claiming that it’s OK to torment “show dogs” is like justifying the exploitation of 'circus elephants,'” the company tells us.
"Dogs are dogs, just as elephants are elephants—and if these dogs have spent their lives being yanked around, muzzled, painted, and powdered, as PETA exposed at the Westminster Dog Show, that’s even more of a reason to give them a break and allow them to run, play, and just be dogs at last," PETA continued before delivering the final blow.
"Public sentiment is clear: Pooch Perfect belongs in the doghouse," they ended their statement. Ouch!
'Pooch Perfect' Staffers Laugh Off 'Doggie Abuse' Claims, Say Pups Are Treated Like Royalty!
As we reported, following Tuesday night's debut, Pooch Perfect introduced 10 grooming teams all competing for the $100,000 prize at the end.
Despite having animal-loving celebrities attached to the show like Rebel Wilson as host and former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump as judge, ABC still caught flak.
Viewers immediately took to social media to share their distaste for Pooch Perfect.
"Just saw a commercial for #PoochPerfect. Anyone else think that looks like doggie abuse? I mean," one person tweeted. "That show went from aww cute to omg are those dogs to 'I'm traumatized' real quick," wrote another.
RadarOnline.com has reached out to ABC multiple times for comment.
Rebel Wilson's 'Pooch Perfect' Show Facing Backlash, Accused Of 'Doggie Abuse'