Bigg Boss 18: PETA Urges Salman Khan To Convince Makers To Keep Animals Out Of Bigg Boss

PETA India has 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.

The letter stated that it 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," he said.

The letter firmly mentioned that using an animal on the show set is no “laughing matter." “As prey animals, donkeys are naturally nervous. They, and other animals, would find the lights, sounds and clamor that is 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."

‘Moreover, donkeys are social animals, whose wellbeing is best ensured by permitting them to be part of a herd. Just as we humans live in family groups, so do donkeys." The letter further read: “It is reported Advocate Sadavarte keeps the donkey for research regarding milk. But donkeys produce milk strictly for their foals."

The statement concluded with: “Please take the steps suggested in this letter to show that Bigg Boss recognizes animals deserve our compassion and respect."