This Morning viewers have branded a guest ‘cold-hearted' after she criticised the idea of offering bereavement leave for people when their pets die.
Anna May Mangan said it would be a “scam” to allow people time off work if their beloved pet passes away, adding it would “put pressure” on colleagues and employers.
The debate comes off the back of claims from a student, 18, who says she was sacked for taking a day off work when her dog died.
Show hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford argued that many people - themselves included - treat their pets as their children.
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But Anna was having none of it, and said: “It’s a scam really. I don’t think it’s deserved. It puts a pressure of losing a pet on your colleagues and your employer, which isn’t reasonable. They’re not fur babies, they are pets.”
Ruth even went as far as to say that if their beloved border cross Maggie died, she would not be in a fit state to come into work, but Anna dismissed her comments.
Eamonn added: "I agree with Ruth. I would be in mourning. It would be very sad."
Despite losing her own dog six months ago, Anna said that it could not be compared to the loss of a person, such as a child.
On the other side of the debate was Zak Edwards, who offers his own employees time off to grieve their pets.
He said that when his dog Polly died it was like "losing a member of the family", and raised the point that devastated employees would not be able to do their job properly.
By law it is currently down to the discretion of the employer as to what would meet the criteria for bereavement leave.
On Twitter, viewers were raging about Anne’s comments.
One ranted: “This woman is absolutely abhorrent ‘I have bad hair days, should I be allowed a day off?’ No because a member of the family hasn’t just died - yes FAMILY - that’s what a ‘pet’ is, you heartless, uncompassionate human. Glad you’re not my employer.”
Another said: “This woman acting like pets aren't really family and people shouldn't take time off work to get over the loss. Get lost you emotionless hag. My dogs are my world and I'd be more devastated losing them I'd take as much time off as necessary.”
A third posted: “Is this woman REALLY comparing a bad hair day to a loss of a pet?! she’s so cold hearted.”
Another viewer agreed: “This woman comes across as really cold and dismissive of people’s grief.”
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10.30am.
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