Emmerdale dog poisoning storyline sparks more than 850 Ofcom complaints as the show issues a promise to fans
850 complaints have been made to broadcast regulator Ofcom over a recent Emmerdale storyline featuring a dog being poisoned.
During an episode of the ITV soap, Tom King (James Chase), the abusive husband of Belle King (Eden Taylor-Draper), used a syringe to poison her dog Piper in an effort to see her after she went to a mental health facility.
Before carrying out the act, Tom said: ‘Don’t worry, this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you. Actually, maybe not.’
This sparked 513 complaints to Ofcom on May 27 and 363 complaints on May 28.
In a post on X, the soap reassured fans that the dog was perfectly fine and there was no harm done while filming.
The statement read: ‘These scenes can be distressing to watch, but we want to remind you that Minnie (AKA Piper) is a very good actor and is always living her best life on set! We can confirm that no harm has come to her whatsoever.’
Some scenes can be upsetting to watch, but Minnie (AKA Piper) is treated with nothing but love and lots of cuddles on set 🎬 🐾#Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/tVx0Alf2CB
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) June 2, 2024
Belle’s recently been back with her mental health crisis unit over fears she was relapsing, little did she know it was because Tom King (James Chase) had been playing mind games with her. The thought of now having a baby when she feels unstable is terrifying.
Add to that the fact she has a deeply unsettling feeling about her husband, and it all leads to Belle keeping her pregnancy secret when she first finds out.
Actress Eden Taylor-Draper told Metro.co.uk: ‘She [Wendy] looks a bit concerned that Belle hasn’t told Tom yet and can tell something is wrong but then Tom gets home.’
Belle needs time to decide what she wants to do, and she enlists Wendy’s help to get her to see a doctor and find out what her options are. Belle is also afraid that Tom has not changed one bit despite his promises.
She’s right to be scared. Tom’s true colours come shining through again when he is immediately irked that Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) gives him an earful about selling Belle’s car without his knowledge. Tom takes this ire back to Belle and gives her a blast. He lays into her, probing her as to what she’s told Cain.
His fury burns white hot as he once again turns violent towards his wife, ready to give her a vicious beating. Belle cowers and braces for impact, but instinctively blurts out that she’s pregnant.
Eden reveals the sad truth: ‘So she only tells him to stop him hitting her. She didn’t mean to tell him.’
