ABC’s latest show, Pooch Perfect, hosted by the fabulous Rebel Wilson, premiered on Tuesday, March 30 — and while many enjoyed the dog-grooming competition series, others slammed the show for being abusive towards the animals.
Article continues below advertisement
The premiere showed many amazing grooming transformations, turning several pooches from drab to fab, but some viewers questioned just how safe it was for the dogs to be so heavily groomed and often have their fur dyed to match the design theme — sparking some outrage on social media.
Article continues below advertisement
“This show is a disgusting display,” one user wrote on Twitter. “This is not artistry, it is animal abuse. #PoochPerfect.”
“You can’t convince me dogs like being poked, cut, bejeweled, and dressed up like this. #PoochPerfect,” another user tweeted, while a third commented: “Anybody else think this is kinda animal abuse? I’m uncomfortable #PoochPerfect.”
Article continues below advertisement
Pooch Perfect is the most disgusting show I’ve ever seen! Where is PETA?
— Kathy Klein (@KatPat123) March 31, 2021
A fourth asked animal-rights group PETA to intervene, calling the pup pageant “the most disgusting show I’ve ever seen!”
Wilson is joined on the show by dog lover Lisa Vanderpump, veterinarian Callie Harris and celebrity groomer Jorge Bendersky. Wilson’s great-grandmother started The Beagle Club of Australia, and the Pitch Perfect star’s mother is a renowned international all-breed dog show judge.
Ahead of the controversial series launch, the producers were asked about the experiences for the dogs and if there would be a “Do not try this at home” disclaimer placed before the show, according to The Wrap.
Article continues below advertisement
“Some dogs like it more than others. Some find it uncomfortable,” executive producer Elan Gale said at the Television Critics Association press tour. “So we made sure we had the kind of dogs that were used to the entire process.”
Bendersky, a judge on the show, added: “Those that are chosen to become creative partners, they are dogs that love the attention. If you have a dog that is very shy, you probably won’t want them to have pink hair and walk on the street and have people taking pictures.”
Article continues below advertisement
Scroll through to see more Twitter backlash from the premiere.
Article continues below advertisement
Is anyone watching pooch perfect. I passed it when changing channels . I feel so bad for the dogs that are on there . Coloring their fur trying to make them like other animals and bugs . To me its disgusting
— Jaye Potts (@potts_jaye) March 31, 2021
I just discovered that the show Pooch Perfect exists…and…🤢🤢
I feel bad for the dogs.
— Lauren Schlusser 🤘🏼 (@llaurenkat) March 27, 2021
Article continues below advertisement
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