A seemingly innocent television competition about knitting has found itself tangled in controversy for the second time in as many weeks. Game Of Wool: Britain's Best Knitter, the Channel 4 show presented by former Olympic diver Tom Daley, is now facing fierce criticism from the animal rights charity Peta for an episode that featured dogs modelling knitted outfits.
Animal Welfare Concerns Take Centre Stage
During last Sunday's episode, the amateur knitting contestants were tasked with creating a set of coats and hats for two greyhounds named Dayna and Dobbie. The dogs were then made to model the new knitwear on camera. However, the segment did not sit well with many viewers, who took to social media to express their concerns.
Numerous people pointed out that the dogs appeared 'sad' and noted that their 'tails weren't wagging' as much as expected. This public outcry quickly caught the attention of Peta, which has now launched a formal complaint.
Elisa Allen, Peta's Vice President of Programmes, wrote a letter to Channel 4, stating unequivocally, 'The only animals who should wear wool are sheep.' She elaborated to The Mail on Sunday, explaining that dogs are intelligent individuals who can experience discomfort, stress, and confusion when forced to wear garments for human entertainment.
'Dogs aren't dolls,' Ms Allen said. 'Putting a garment on a dog is acceptable only when it's truly in their best interest – for example, to keep them warm or dry.' The campaigners have also urged the broadcaster to stop using real wool and switch to plant-based alternatives instead.
A Pattern of Controversy for the Knitting Show
This is not the first time Game Of Wool has been embroiled in scandal. Just weeks prior, the programme was accused of cultural appropriation by knitters from the Shetland Islands.
The show faced significant backlash for a segment that incorrectly depicted the historic Fair Isle knitting technique. Local knitter Helen Barwick wrote in the Shetland Times, accusing the production of having a 'blatant disregard for a longstanding tradition' due to its use of incorrect terminology and failure to accurately showcase the method.
In the latest controversial episode, hosted by Daley and judges Sheila Greenwell and Di Gilpin, most contestants admitted it was their first time creating dog clothing. While some of the resulting outfits, which included a pink head-warmer and a black and yellow beret, displayed technical skill, the canine models seemed unimpressed with their new wardrobe.
Channel 4's Response and Viewer Backlash
In response to the growing criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 4 issued a statement defending the show's practices. 'Dobbie and Dayna were well looked after and got a special treat for being perfect doggy models,' they said. 'There was a registered dog handler on set who was responsible for ensuring the welfare of the dogs and their owners were present too.'
Despite this assurance, viewer disappointment has been palpable. One social media user commented, 'All that sparkly uncomfortable wool and the ridiculous hats! I felt so sorry for the dog.' Another added, 'As if any self-respecting, animal-caring dog owner would subject their canine to wearing these totally impractical outfits.' Some viewers also expressed their disappointment that Tom Daley, a keen knitting enthusiast himself, was involved in the stunt.
The series of controversies has cast a shadow over the otherwise cosy show, proving that even the most gentle of programmes can find themselves at the centre of a heated national debate.
