The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has requested Salman Khan and the Bigg Boss makers not to include an animal for entertainment purposes. The team has officially written to the makers addressing the inclusion of Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte's donkey, Max, in the show.
A donkey, nicknamed Gadharaj, is also part of Bigg Boss 18. He has been given space in the garden area, and housemates have been instructed to care for him.
As per the letter sent out by the PETA India team on Wednesday, they have been inundated with complaints from members of the public distressed over the donkey staying in the house. They have requested host Salman Khan to urge the producers to avoid using animals as props for entertainment.
"This would not only prevent stress to the animals and upset to viewers but also set a powerful precedent. We also urge you to encourage Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, who has reportedly brought Max into the house, to surrender the donkey to PETA India to rehome in a sanctuary with other rescued donkeys. Such a move would surely win Advocate Sadavarte fans."
"Bigg Boss is lighthearted entertainment, but the use of animals on a show set is no laughing matter. As prey animals, donkeys are naturally nervous. They, and other animals, would find the lights, sounds, and clamour that are standard on all show sets confusing and frightening. That a show set is no place for an animal is obvious to viewers who are saddened to see the donkey kept in a small, confined space standing in waste," part of the letter read.
It also suggested that donkeys are social animals, and their well-being is best ensured by permitting them to be part of a herd. It also addressed claims that Sadavarte keeps the donkey for research regarding milk. The PETA India team clarified that donkeys produce milk strictly for their foals. The letter has been addressed to Salman Khan, Viacom 18 (the network owning the channel Colors), and Banijay Asia (the production house).
"Society has evolved, and the caring public finds the use of animals on shows sad, not funny. Please take the steps suggested in this letter to show that Bigg Boss recognises animals deserve our compassion and respect," the note mentioned.
It's pertinent to mention that this is not the first time an animal has been hosted in the Bigg Boss house. In earlier seasons, a dog, parrot, and even a fish were sent for the housemates to look after as part of their daily activities.
India Today tried reaching out to Viacom 18 for a response but did not hear from them by the time of filing the report.
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