Just beastly ; An orang-utan taking on a sumo wrestler: may the best species win .Bear versus human in a hot dog-eating challenge .Elephant in tug- of-war ...against 44 dwarves

• Published in: Mail on Sunday
• Main Author: Nixson, Matt
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: London (UK) Solo Syndication, a division of Associated Newspapers Ltd 21.09.2003

'It is degrading for the animals, insulting to our intelligence and a disaster for any chance of increased respect for the animals we share the world with. Man Versus Beast is about domination and manipulation.' The 72-year-old actress and founder of the campaigning Born Free Foundation added: 'It is a show about trained animals, something we have been fighting for years.' The British version of Man Versus Beast is due to be screened at prime time on ITV1 this autumn. It will be presented by former footballer John Fashanu, who will get into the sprit of the contest by trying to outstare a crocodile. Dame Judi said last night: 'I was horrified to learn about this. No animal should be exploited in this way and the campaign to have it stopped has my full support.' Actress Jenny Seagrove accused Granada of sinking to new depths, saying: 'It has cast aside compassion. I am horrified.' Jackie Ballard, director general of the RSPCA, said: 'We strongly oppose any programmes that subject animals to behaviour that does not come naturally to them. It is very sad that programme makers consider degrading animals in this way purely for entertainment. We would urge people to avoid watching these shows and complain.' Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid, attacked the decision to run the show as pathetic and cowardly, saying: 'This is an example of poverty of the imagination.