‘Take Me Out’ Camel Rides Prompt PETA Plea

For Immediate Release:

17 October 2019

Contact:

Jennifer White +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 222; [email protected]

‘TAKE ME OUT’ CAMEL RIDES PROMPT PETA PLEA

Group Calls On ITV to Remove Cruel Camel Rides From Future Episodes

London – Ahead of the upcoming season of Take Me Out, (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) PETA has written to ITV’s director of television, Kevin Lygo, urging him to leave camel rides off the itinerary for the show’s 11^th season. Over the years, fans of the series will have seen countless loved-up couples jetting off to the “Isle of Fernando’s” – where, as part of the prize experience, they’re often shown riding camels.

In the letter, PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” – notes that camels are intelligent, sensitive animals who suffer when forced to give rides to tourists.  , including the Great Pyramid of Giza, saw these regal animals being beaten bloody with sticks by men and children before being sold to the tourism industry. Used for rides in the blistering heat, they were denied access to food, water, and shade. Some were later sold for meat. Likewise, in Petra, Jordan, a

“Featuring camel rides on Take Me Out suggests to viewers that there’s nothing wrong with using camels for a fleeting thrill – perpetuating their abuse – rather than treating them with the respect they deserve,” says PETA Director Elisa Allen. “PETA urges Mr Lygo to leave these cruel rides off the itinerary in the new series.”

PETA’s letter to ITV is available here. For more information on avoiding cruelty to animals abroad, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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