PETA Denounces Rebel Wilson’s ‘Pooch Perfect’ Dog Grooming Series
Image via Rebel Wilson
PETA has condemned Pooch Perfect, a dog-grooming competition show hosted by Rebel Wilson.
The program features 10 teams trying to give their pets crazy makeovers to try to win a US$100,000 prize. According to PETA, the dog-grooming competition show “can encourage people to restrain their dog and reach for the dye.” The coloring, which is a prominent component of a Pooch Perfect makeover, can be deadly, PETA warned.
“Dogs are smart, loyal individuals — they’re not here for human amusement, and unfortunately, shows like Pooch Perfect can encourage people to restrain their dog and reach for the dye, even though doing so runs the risk of causing an allergic reaction that could even be fatal, in addition to stressing the animal,” said Lauren Thomasson, PETA’s senior manager of animals in film and television. “PETA reminds animal guardians that dogs love us just the way we are — and we should respect them enough to do the same for them.”
Jorge Bendersky, a celebrity dog groomer, told the New York Post that “safety is always the first concern.” He also said that vets have scanned the products used in the series to ensure that they are non-toxic.
Bendersky advised viewers to use temporary dog-safe dyes if they wish to color their dogs.
“You can try to dye your dog pink—but, remember, that dog is going to shake. So you might end up with pink walls, and a pink sofa.”
On Tuesday’s premiere on the show, a poodle is seen dyed in a pink hue, while a white dog is transformed to look like a skunk.
Viewers have been outspoken about the content of the show on Twitter. “You can’t convince me dogs like being poked, cut, bejeweled, and dressed up like this,” a Twitter user commented of the extreme pup-pageant series.
“That show went from aww cute to omg are these doggos ok to I’m traumatized real quick,” another said.
All eyes were on this fin-tastic puppy makeover! 😍 #PoochPerfect pic.twitter.com/DIu6T0fVlk
— Pooch Perfect (@poochperfectabc) March 31, 2021
You can’t tell me these are dogs! Amazing work on #PoochPerfect pic.twitter.com/ry0WH00KFB
— Stacked Deck (@stackeddeckpod) March 31, 2021
Who else did a double take?! This transfurmation is EVERYTHING! 😱 #PoochPerfect pic.twitter.com/xV1XDss4H1
— Pooch Perfect (@poochperfectabc) March 31, 2021
As an animal advocate that dedicates my life to helping dogs, #PoochPerfect offends me. Dogs are not props for entertainment. The dogs look miserable and if feels cruel. I’m shocked @ABCNetwork was so tone deaf in green lighting this series. @WaltDisneyCo @poochperfectabc pic.twitter.com/6OxSiQZM8c
— michael levitt (@MichaelLevitt_1) March 31, 2021
You can’t convince me dogs like being poked, cut, bejeweled, and dressed up like this. #PoochPerfect pic.twitter.com/kbLV1en7CH
— Petty Pablo (@electricsoul123) March 31, 2021
That show went from awww cute to omg are these doggos ok to I'm traumatized real quick. #PoochPerfect
— Divya Amladi (@Divyamladi) March 31, 2021
Hey @ABCNetwork you know what would have been a great show?Sending these Groomers to different rescues each week to give dogs makeovers to help them get adopted. Not whatever this ridiculous mess is. #PoochPerfect
— Wash ur Hands😷 (@Shayshamie) March 31, 2021
The #PoochPerfect tv show is highly disrespectful to dogs. If a groomer did that to my dog, I would punch him. pic.twitter.com/5qcK63zCSf
— EdinaMN Guy 🏳️🌈 (@EdinaMNguy) March 31, 2021
The longer I watch this show, the worse I feel for these poor dogs #PoochPerfect
— 👍 (@TheOneWhiteRose) March 31, 2021
[via Complex, cover image via Rebel Wilson]
