MPS to BBC: Axe puppy cash show

50-strong group unite in bid to stop programme ‘glamorising’ breeding as a ‘get-rich-quick scheme’

FIFTY MPS are demanding the BBC axe a show about puppy breeding, condemning it as “extremely irresponsible”.

The MPS have told BBC DirectorGeneral Tim Davie to scrap the programme, originally called Will My Puppies Make Me Rich, saying it seeks to “glamorise” dog breeding as a “get-rich-quick scheme”.

Animal welfare charities and campaigners have spoken of their fears the show will encourage puppy farming, and 208,000 people have signed a petition against it.

In a letter, organised by Crawley MP Henry Smith, the MPS told Mr Davie: “We believe you have a huge responsibility to set and maintain the very highest ethical standards and a programme of this nature appears at odds with this.”

Signatories included four former Tory Cabinet ministers, including Theresa Villiers.

To r y MP N e i l

Hudson, who is a vet, also signed the letter, and told the Mirror the show could

“seriously undermine animal welfare”.

He said: “We are a WORRIES

MP Hudson

nation of animal lovers and it is so important that the national broadcaster promotes the sensible and safe ways of owning a much-cherished pet.”

Paul O’grady, who fronts ITV ’s For the Love of Dogs, has called the idea for the show, pitched by Sophia Slater and Helena Rochester, as “shameful”. He said: “You don’t keep a dog to make money off it.

“This kind of crap only encourages puppy farming.”

The show is said to “look at some of the 20-somethings wanting to launch businesses breeding designer canines”.

The BBC declined to comment on the l ett er, but has previously said the title of the programme is to be changed to Britain’s Puppy Boom: Counting the Cost.

LEAD LADIES Sophia, left with pug, and above with Helena FURY Paul & our report on his reaction last month