The BBC has been forced to take action after an episode of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out was slapped with over 1,500 Ofcom complaints.
The broadcaster had to decide whether or not to withhold the complaints that came from viewers who were concerned about the safety of some rabbits in an episode of the show that aired in February.
The TV show, which sees presenter Stacey help families to declutter and make the most out of their living space, sparked huge backlash after the mum-of-five decided to move the family's pet rabbits into an outdoor hutch rather than keeping them inside in their conservatory.
Birmingham Live reports that viewers and animal charities flooded the show with complaints of alleged animal cruelty. The Rabbit Welfare Trust's website says: "As part of our A Hutch is Not Enough campaign, we give information to owners to allow them to give their rabbits what they need to lead healthy and contented lives.
"It is heartening to know that ensuring the welfare of animals is protected by law, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006."
The site says: "Keeping rabbits in a hutch would never enable an owner to meet these welfare needs. Rabbits should be housed in a safe and enclosed area of 3m x 2m x 1m high.
"The hutch, or sleeping area, forms a part of this total space, which should also include items of enrichment such as a digging tray, tunnels etc. The hutch should never be the sole accommodation for rabbits, they need constant (and that means 24/7) access to the wider overall space to allow them to exercise at will.
"Giving your rabbits access to all or part of a secure garden for 'free running' sessions is great but this is in addition to our minimum size recommendations, not instead of."
Following an official review, it has been reported by the BBC that the complaints are "not being upheld". The show was therefore found not guilty of cruelty to animals. Meanwhile, earlier this month it was revealed that the programme has been commissioned for a third series.
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