Bigg Boss 18: After complaints from PETA and PFA, Donkey Gadhraj released from the show

Bigg Boss 18 when started earlier this month, the show attracted attention due to its contestants and the inclusion of a donkey living with them. The donkey, Max, was owned by advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, a participant on the show. The animal gained media coverage as multiple animal welfare organizations called for its release. In response to the outcry, the producers ultimately chose to free the donkey.

A few days ago, PFA (People For Animals) raised a concern regarding the donkey in the house. PETA India had also sent a letter to Salman Khan, addressing significant concerns about animal rights and urging him to advocate for animal welfare. Salman Khan has been urged by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to persuade the producers of the contentious reality show to refrain from using animals.

A letter read, “Urgent Request to Keep Animals Out of Bigg Boss", read that there are complaints over the “keeping of a donkey in the Bigg Boss house."

“We are being inundated with complaints by members of the public who are deeply distressed over the keeping of a donkey in the Bigg Boss house. Their concerns are valid and must not be ignored." “As one of India’s most influential stars and the host of Bigg Boss, you have the power to set a compassionate example. We respectfully ask that you use this influence to urge the show’s producers to avoid using animals as props for entertainment," it said.

In reaction to the rising complaints, the producers opted to take the donkey off the show, making Gadhraj the initial contestant to be eliminated this season.

In the Sunday episode of the show, host Salman Khan announced that Gadhraj was the first contestant to be evicted from the show.