Popular television show, MasterChef Vietnam, found itself at the centre of an animal welfare scandal after broadcasting images of a contestant killing a tortoise.

The media and public were quick to condemn the show's producers with 55 news outlets carrying details of the backlash.

One online poll showed almost 70% agreed the scenes should not have been shown.

Contestant Khanh Phuong, 21, was visibly upset while trying to kill the animal and a lack of expertise meant a prolonged death for the tortoise with the resulting scenes shocking viewers.

Initial comments reserved particular ire for the decision to broadcast the killing on a family show. But thanks to online discussion boards, the debate broadened to include the wider issue of animal welfare – a fledgling concept in the developing country.

One commenter posted:

"MasterChef in Europe and the US inspires people to cook as an art. Last weekend MasterChef Vietnam disgusted viewers for the lack of artistry and humanity."

Animals Asia's Vietnam Director, Tuan Bendixsen, said:

"The decision of the producers to allow a member of the public to slaughter an animal for the programme – and then highlight the incident on the show – is particularly disappointing. But what is interesting is how quickly the public voiced their disagreement. It has sparked a real debate here and brought the concept and issues of animal welfare to a wider audience. The producers have already learnt their lesson about the depth of feeling regarding the treatment of animals.

Speaking after the show, Khanh Phuong admitted sleepless nights and regret over killing the tortoise.

Animal welfare is fast becoming a major issue in Vietnam. Last month Animals Asia hosted a major animal welfare conference in Ho Chi Minh City where among the topics debated was the on-going dog meat trade.

Tuan Bendixsen added:

"There are huge socio-economic changes happening in Vietnam as it moves towards being a developed country. Awareness of animal welfare is part of this. The backlash against the MasterChef TV producers shows that change is happening far faster than they had grasped."

BACK