Animal rights lobby PETA calls for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to be investigated for ‘animal cruelty’ after wildlife segments with Robert Irwin
Robert Irwin is known for his enthusiastic approach to wildlife conservation and often appears with his furry friends on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
But animal rights group PETA has called for the show to be investigated for ‘animal cruelty’, after it aired several segments in which animals where treated ‘like props’.
According to the group, the show’s supplier, Grant Kemmerer, has violated the terms of his permit by allowing members of the public to handle animals on the show.
In trouble! Animal rights group PETA has called for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to be investigated for ‘animal cruelty’, after it aired several wildlife segments with Robert Irwin
PETA’s Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said in a statement that animals ‘suffer every time they’re exposed to the chaos of a television set and are passed around like props.’
Ms Lange added: ‘PETA is calling on authorities to throw the book at this hack for brazenly violating – on camera – the clear conditions of his exhibitor permits.’
In a letter provided to the New York City Health Department, PETA also claimed that Robert handled several animals, provided by Grant, that were unauthorised.
Furry guests! During two segments, which aired in January and February, 15-year-old conservationist Robert handled a camel, an alligator and a wild cat
During two segments, which aired in January and February, Robert encouraged host Jimmy Fallon to touch the animals, despite the fact Grant’s permit prohibits direct public contact.
PETA also referenced two other problematic segments, one involving actress Kate Beckinsale and an African bullfrog, and the other involving actor Jacob Anderson, Grant, Jimmy and a python snake.
According to PETA, Grant was also fined $7,300 last year as a result of a previous complaint that related to five violations of state wildlife laws.
Too close for comfort! In May, Game of Thrones star Jacob Anderson was forced into a phone booth with wildlife expert Grant Kemmerer, Jimmy and a python snake (right)
Seeing stripes! In another Tonight Show segment, Jimmy was encouraged to help feed a zebra
Among the complaints were three violations of New York’s ‘tiger selfie’ law, which related to members of the public engaging with tigers and a lion at private parties.
In light of recent events, the group has called for Grant to be banned from obtaining future permits and asked Jimmy to stop featuring wild animals on his show.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Robert Irwin for comment.
Call to action! PETA is renewing its call for Jimmy Fallon to enact an official policy against featuring wild animals on The Tonight Show