Keith Lemon slammed for offering a puppy as prize

Keith Lemon of the TV show LemonAid was recently slammed for offering a dog as a prize on the show. The dog was given to a girl and her father last...

12:33 12 July 2012

 

Keith Lemon of the TV show LemonAid was recently slammed for offering a dog as a prize on the show. The dog was given to a girl and her father last month. The entertainer, whose real name is Leigh Francis, along with broadcasting regulators at Ofcom, was blasted by protesters. They received more than 230 complaints regarding the issue. 

 

According to protesters, giving away a dog as a prize promoted irresponsible pet ownership. 

 

Insiders at ITV1, however, defended the TV host and his show by saying that when choosing contestants for the episode in question, they specifically looked for contestants who were already about to buy a dog of their own. The episode was aired back in April and was guested by three families who competed in a game called ‘A Right Dog’s Dinner.’

 

Keith Lemon was cleared over the issue. Producers clarified that all the contestants were carefully screened and interviewed by the breeders who supplied the puppy. The breeders are registered with Kennel Club.

 

Ofcom also noted that the puppy was not shown to be in discomfort or distress during the broadcast and that the production had taken extensive measures to ensure the welfare of the puppy that was given as a prize, as well as two other puppies used on the set for the episode.

 

Keith Lemon’s show, LemonAid, which he also created, is a popular comedy show that airs on prime-time Saturday night TV.