PETA calls ABC’s ‘Pooch Perfect’ ‘dangerous’ for dogs

Not so perfect after all.

Animal rights group PETA has denounced ABC’s new dog grooming competition, “Pooch Perfect,” which pits 10 teams of groomers against each other to create exaggerated looks for a cash prize of $ 100,000 .

“Dogs trust us to keep them safe, but shows like ‘Pooch Perfect’ can encourage people to treat them as if they were things to decorate, like a ceramic pot, which gives them hazardous dyeing jobs at home, which not only carry the risk of an allergic reaction or fatal toxic poisoning, but also stress them, ”the organization said in a statement to the Post. “The dogs used in this show are not things but beings, and they deserve to curl up at home with a loving guardian – instead of having to endure being held on a leash at a counter and painted and pushed.” by strangers for hours. “

PETA’s reaction to the series came on the heels of the social media crackdown after the series premiered on Tuesday night.

“Dogs are not entertainment accessories. The dogs look miserable and [it] feels cruel, ” tweeted Michael Levitt, who was the producer of the “2020 American Rescue Dog Show” television special. “I’m shocked @ABCNetwork was so deaf in the green lighting of this series.

“The more I watch this show, the more I feel bad for these poor dogs,” Free one critic on Twitter, while another denounced the program as “torturing dogs for human enjoyment.” Gross.”

At first I thought the perfect dog looked like a cute sight.
Now it is like torturing dogs for the pleasure of humans. Gross.
All chemicals die from their fur.
Poor doggies.

– A_Research_Guru (@A_Research_Guru) March 31, 2021

In a story posted Tuesday about the show, which is hosted by Rebel Wilson, renowned dog groomer and show judge Jorge Bendersky told the Post that “safety is always the number one concern.” Additionally, veterinary professionals including Dr. Callie Harris oversaw the non-toxic pet care and styling products that were used at the show.

Bendersky further urged dog owners to use only temporary, dog-safe dyes and be careful with their application. “You can try dyeing your dog pink – but remember that dog is going to tremble. So you could end up with pink walls and a pink sofa, ”he added. “You really have to plan the logistics.”

Tuesday’s first episode featured some significant transformations, including a white dog that morphed into a skunk and a poodle with a vibrant pink conversion. Other episodes will feature holiday-inspired makeovers, like a dog turned back into a Halloween pumpkin and a Maltese with a new pastel look suited to Easter.

“I push them and push them and push them, and they deliver,” Bendersky said of the show’s creations. “I think viewers are going to be so surprised with the work.”

ABC did not immediately respond to an email request for comment from The Post.