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RTÉ HAS CONFIRMED it’s received 41 complaints over a scene at the start of Sunday night’s season premiere of Love/Hate which depicted a cat being machine-gunned to death.
Animal rights groups have criticised the broadcaster for airing the graphic sequence, in which a teenager is seen shooting the animal with a machine gun, and then laughing about the incident with a friend.
In line with normal practice, the programme makers confirmed in the end credits that no animals were harmed in the making of the show. However, groups like the ISPCA and the Animal Rights Action Network aren’t happy that the content was aired in the first place.
ARAN called yesterday for a boycott of the gangland drama, while the ISPCA claims the scene “sparked outrage” amongst animal lovers.
“The cat shooting scene was totally unnecessary given that Ireland is experiencing increasing levels of animal cruelty, neglect and abuse inflicted on innocent animals,” a spokesperson for the charity said.
“We fear youngsters could be influenced to behave cruelly towards cats as a result of what was shown on Love/Hate especially in the run up to Halloween”.
Anaesthetic
A spokesperson for RTÉ reiterated today that no animals were hurt. The cat was given an anaesthetic by a qualified vet for the scene so it appeared lifeless on screen
“Under the supervision of an experienced animal handler, Eddie Drew, the cat had a fishing line attached to its collar to lead it in the necessary direction and stop it as it ran,” the RTÉ spokesperson said.
“The line was removed in post production. The impact blood splatter was created through CGI effects in post production.
“No squibs (for fake blood) were attached to the cat or set off in its proximity during filming.
“Subsequently the cat was given an anaesthetic by a qualified vet – the same technique has been used in previous series of Love/Hate.
“The producer was present and confirmed that the cat was in good health after the scene.”
Of the 41 complaints lodged with the broadcaster, 32 were written and 9 were via phonecall.
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Can infect the brain but the body still works………is that not Facebook !!!
We have these in Ireland already they’re called the government, only they feed on other peoples money!!!
I detest the government too, but for the love of Jaysis that was poor.
@les rock: but true
So basically some mad scientist could actually create the RAGE virus from 28 days later or the t-virus in resident evil…
…on the plus side the wouldn’t have to just be hit in the brain. Anywhere will do.
The government should send sports accessories and garden utensils for the coming zombie apocalypse. Make sure you store them with your iodine pill and government cheese.
Better get out my copy of Don’t Stop Me Now and my snooker cues. Bring it on!!!
Have you seen the specimens dragging themselves around the Liffey boardwalk! The Walking Dead don’t have a patch these dudes. Since they closed the section of boardwalk along Eden Quay it’s let them wander!!!!
Take a walk around Kilkenny on a Saturday night after 1am and you can see one quite clearly ;-)
i remember walking around a lingerie shop a few years back in stephens green shopping centre near valentines day looking for a gift for the mrs. a lot of lads were doing the same thing. as i was browsing i saw the cashier say to her colleague with a look of digust “look at them, walking around with their mouths open like a bunch of f*%kin zombies…animals” jaysus.
for those outside the capital…We have thousands of these zombies wandering the street. it amazing how they defy gravity and stay on there feet..while stringing a few words together takes them minutes….aaaaahhhhh heeeeerrrreeee buuuuud,leeeend uuuuuuussssss aaaaa feeeeewwww eeeeeeuuuurrrrrooooooooo
I have my axe and chainsaw ready. Bring it on you undead motherf***ers
There’s a zombie apocalypse at every bus stop/school/ workplace every Monday morn. B grand sure.
Half the passengers on red line LUAS have had this for years
Setup the cameras in the point village. Best location ever for a zombie movie!
I see a lot of Zombies going around in pajamas lately actually I think the Zombies would have more brain power
Ive got an idea for when the zombies attack! We get the car drive to the Winchester get a cup of tea and wait for it to all just blow over
It’s not a question of IF but a question of WHEN
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