Bigg Boss 18: Donkey 'Gadhraj' Removed From Reality Show After PETA's Animal Abuse Accusation

The controversial Bigg Boss 18 began on October 6 with 18 new contestants, which features a mix of TV actors, politicians and social media influencers. Interestingly, the 19th contestant sparked quite a discussion among the viewers. In the latest development, the contestant is out of the house

Bigg Boss 18: 19th contestant out of house?

For the first time, Bigg Boss brought an actual animal, a donkey named Gadhraj into the house. This move has received mixed reactions from the audience, as well as the animal welfare organisation PETA. After the makers were slammed, an NGO called People For Animals, has confirmed the release of the donkey. Sharing a note on their Instagram handle, the NGO wrote in the caption, “Thanks to Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Chairperson, People For Animals, for her intervention in this matter. This success was made possible through the collective efforts of everyone in the community who stood up for the donkey’s release.”

Netizens took to the comment section and appreciated the effort made by the NGO for the removal of donkeys from the show. One user wrote, “Amazing…no form of animal abuse should be tolerated at any cost. Another user wrote, ‘Power of compassion”. “Thank you to all who taught for the voiceless baby”, wrote the third user.

PETA India urged Bigg Boss makers to not use animals for entertainment purposes

During the grand premiere, an actual donkey was introduced to the show, and the contestants were given the responsibility of caring for it while it stayed in the house. While some viewers found the donkey's presence amusing, others argued that it is unfair to confine a social animal like a donkey in the Bigg Boss house.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, wrote to the makers of Bigg Boss 18, expressing concerns about the donkey's involvement in the show. "We are being inundated with complaints by members of the public who are deeply distressed over the keeping of a donkey in the Bigg Boss house. Their concerns are valid and must not be ignored," the letter stated. Describing the situation as 'distressing,' PETA India urged the host to use his influence as the host and star to ‘surrender the donkey to PETA India, to rehome in a sanctuary with other rescued donkeys.’