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Stacey Solomon’s BBC show Sort Out Your Life has been cleared of animal cruelty.
The BBC received over 1,500 complaints following an episode of the decluttering TV show in which the reality star proposed a family’s pet rabbits be moved from living inside the house to outside in a hutch in the garden.
Following an official review the BBC has said the complaints are “not being upheld”.
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Following the initial complaints the BBC staid in a statement: “We heard from a number of viewers who were concerned about the hutch provided for the rabbits in this programme.
“The family’s pet rabbits usually live outside and were only living indoors for a short period of time after being neutered. They are therefore acclimatised to living in the garden. The rabbits have full access to a wide, enclosed garden to roam around in, with the hutch being a place to come and go as they please during the day, as well as a safe and secure space for them to sleep in at night.”
The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund has said: “As part of our A Hutch is Not Enough campaign, we give information to owners to allow them to give their rabbits what they need to lead healthy and contented lives.
“It is heartening to know that ensuring the welfare of animals is protected by law, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“Keeping rabbits in a hutch would never enable an owner to meet these welfare needs. Rabbits should be housed in a safe and enclosed area of 3m x 2m x 1m high.
“The hutch, or sleeping area, forms a part of this total space, which should also include items of enrichment such as a digging tray, tunnels etc. The hutch should never be the sole accommodation for rabbits, they need constant (and that means 24/7) access to the wider overall space to allow them to exercise at will.
“Giving your rabbits access to all or part of a secure garden for ‘free running’ sessions is great but this is in addition to our minimum size recommendations, not instead of.”
Sort Your Life Out has just been renewed for a third series and is currently open for applications.
Read more: Stacey Solomon embarrassed by photo blunder in newborn photoshoot
Families can request for Solomon and her team to help them free up space in their homes by decluttering, tidying and introducing new storage space.
Watch: Stacey Solomon talks about her ‘surprise’ pregnancy
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