As television shows go, a cosy series about amateur knitters showcasing their skills in a Scottish country barn does not seem ripe for controversy.
But Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter has become embroiled in its second scandal in as many weeks, with animal rights charity Peta blasting the show for putting clothes on dogs, at the risk of causing them ‘discomfort and stress’.
Their criticism comes after the programme – presented by former Olympic diver Tom Daley – was accused of ‘cultural appropriation’ by Shetland Islanders for incorrectly depicting the historic Fair Isle technique.
In last Sunday’s episode, producers asked competitors to whip up a set of coats and hats for greyhounds Dayna and Dobbie, who then modelled their new knitwear.
But a number of viewers noted that the dogs looked ‘sad’ and that their ‘tails weren’t wagging’ as much as they should have been.
Now Peta has criticised the show, with its vice president of programmes, Elisa Allen, writing to Channel 4 saying: ‘The only animals who should wear wool are sheep.’
The campaigners also urged TV bosses to stop using real wool and switch to ‘natural, biodegradable plant wools’ instead.
Ms Allen told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Dogs aren’t dolls, they are whole, intelligent, individuals who should be respected for who they are. Putting clothes on them for our entertainment reduces them to laughable, lesser humans.
Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter – presented by former Olympic diver Tom Daley – has become embroiled in its second scandal in as many weeks
A number of viewers noted that the dogs looked ‘sad’ and that their ‘tails weren’t wagging’ as much as they should have been.
Now Peta has criticised the show, with its vice president of programmes, Elisa Allen, writing to Channel 4 saying: ‘The only animals who should wear wool are sheep’
‘Putting a garment on a dog is acceptable only when it’s truly in their best interest – for example, to keep them warm or dry. Garments can bother dogs, and cause them discomfort, stress and confusion.’
In the hit programme, knitting enthusiast Daley, who recently appeared on Celebrity Traitors, leads keen amateurs through a series of challenges.
But it first faced criticism when Shetland islanders complained that the segment about Fair Isle patterns was littered with errors, used incorrect terminology and failed to accurately showcase the historic technique.
Writing in the Shetland Times, local knitter Helen Barwick said the programme had a ‘blatant disregard for a longstanding tradition’.
In last week’s episode, contestants were asked by Daley and judges Sheila Greenwell and Di Gilpin to create an outfit for a dog, with most admitting it would be the first time they had created such items.
And while some of the results displayed brilliant technical skills the dogs appeared less than impressed, looking glum in items including a pink head-warmer and a black and yellow beret.
As one viewer wrote on social media: ‘All that sparkly uncomfortable wool and the ridiculous hats! I felt so sorry for the dog.’
Another said: ‘As if any self-respecting, animal-caring dog owner would subject their canine to wearing these totally impractical outfits.’
Other viewers expressed their ‘disappointment’ at Daley for being involved in the stunt.
Channel 4 said: ‘Dobbie and Dayna were well looked after and got a special treat for being perfect doggy models. There was a registered dog handler on set who was responsible for ensuring the welfare of the dogs and their owners were present too.’
