COUNTRYFILE viewers have been left shaken by the latest ‘hard to watch’ episode on animal poaching.
The popular BBC One show aired its latest episode last night and featured a report on wildlife crime.
Countryfile covered the issue of wildlife crime
During the segment the presenter spoke to Lee Holmes, one of 20 wildlife crime officers in North Yorkshire Police trying to stop poaching
Viewers watched as Joe Crowley investigated whether enough was being done to combat the issue.
Joe was forced to warn viewers in advance as the programme aired scenes of the animal cruelty.
“Wildlife Crime is all too common. A warning viewers might find some of the images in this film distressing,” he said.
During the segment the presenter spoke to Lee Holmes, one of 20 wildlife crime officers in North Yorkshire Police trying to stop poaching.
Speaking about the cruelty, Lee said: “Groups meet up and set their dogs on wild animals betting money on whose dog will kill first and this will be blood sports.
“There is a big betting culture amongst it, so the dogs will chase rabbits [and it is] filmed on camera phones, and they will be bets put on and money [is] made.”
However the topic proved too much for viewers at home who were left distressed by the content.
“Cruelty to animals is the worst. This is a hard watch #countryfile,” said one viewer.
Another posted: “What about fox hunting?#Countryfile Or are you not going to report on wildlife crimes committed by entitled posh people?”
“Sadly, I’ve lost faith in the policing of wildlife crime,” said a third.
The topic proved too much for viewers at home who were left distressed by the content
“Cruelty to animals is the worst. This is a hard watch #countryfile,” said one viewer
