Fury over Skinner's Korean meal

Animal-lovers are furious that Frank Skinner ate dog meat on national TV.

The comic was seen eating the Korean delicacy in his World Cup travelogue Kimonos For Goalposts last night.

But animal rights campaigners say the scene should have highlighted the cruelty behind the dog meat trade.

Instead, Skinner quipped about taking his revenge for dogs shitting in the street.

Elaine Toland of Animal Aid said: "From an ethical perspective, eating dog is no worse than eating any other animal but this facetious prank is bound to come back and haunt Skinner as he will inevitably lose a lot of friends amongst UK dog lovers.

"Maybe Skinner wasn't aware of the implications of his actions, or maybe he lacks the wit to understand the concept of slow death equalling agony or maybe he just doesn't care. In any case he should be made to explain or justify himself because we simply didn't get the joke."

The RSPCA is also opposed to the killing of dogs for food as there is no recognised humane method of rearing and killing them.

The charity's Paul Littlefair said: "Naturally there has been a lot of attention focused on the Korean dog meat trade in the run-up to the World Cup.

"Culture and tradition are no excuses for cruelty. The production of dog meat, from the breeding to the transport and slaughter of these animals is inherently cruel."

Fans have also complained to Chortle about the scene, shown on ITV1.

One, Sheila Daniel, said: "Until now, I thought Frank was terrific, funny and clever.

"He should have been condemning [the eating of dog meat], not supporting this cruelty."

Animal Aid was also concerned about Skinner eating octopus. Toland said: "The viewing public would have also struggled to see what was funny about the sight of a suffocating octopus being gratuitously carved up and chewed by Skinner whilst still alive and wriggling.

"These animals have highly developed brains, similar to those of humans. Being curious and resourceful, a wild octopus will make eye contact with divers, respond to them and reach towards them in a playful manner."

Published: 20 May 2002