Bigg Boss 18: This season of Bigg Boss, an interesting ‘contestant’ had entered the house on the premiere episode. Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte’s donkey, nicknamed Gadharaj, was also part of Bigg Boss 18 and he was given space in the garden area. The housemates were even instructed to care for him. Soon enough, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India issued a letter to the makers requesting them to not include an animal for entertainment purposes. An NGO called People For Animals had also accused Salman Khan and the makers of animal abuse. Well, Gadharaj has now been released from the house.
Gadharaj released!
The official Instagram handle of PFA announced the release of the donkey from Bigg Boss 18. Sharing an update about the same, the NGO thanked Maneka Gandhi, the chairperson, for her intervention and making the release of the donkey possible.
The post was captioned, “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.’
Also Read: PETA India Issues Open Letter To Bigg Boss 18 Host Salman Khan: ‘Stop Using Animals’
Check it out:
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What was PETA's letter to BB 18 makers?
A few days ago, PETA India had written a letter to Salman Khan requesting him to convince the makers to release the donkey. The letter stated, "This would not only prevent stress to the animals and upset to viewers but also set a powerful precedent. We also urge you to encourage Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, who has reportedly brought Max into the house, to surrender the donkey to PETA India to rehome in a sanctuary with other rescued donkeys. Such a move would surely win Advocate Sadavarte fans."
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"Bigg Boss is lighthearted entertainment, but the use of animals on a show set is no laughing matter. As prey animals, donkeys are naturally nervous. They, and other animals, would find the lights, sounds, and clamour that are standard on all show sets confusing and frightening. That a show set is no place for an animal is obvious to viewers who are saddened to see the donkey kept in a small, confined space standing in waste," part of the letter read.
"Society has evolved, and the caring public finds the use of animals on shows sad, not funny. Please take the steps suggested in this letter to show that Bigg Boss recognises animals deserve our compassion and respect," the note mentioned.