Emmerdale boss breaks silence on dog abuse controversy – and it may happen again

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Tom gave Piper the dog poison. (Image: ITV)

The head of Emmerdale has addressed her contentious choice to depict Tom King (James Chase) mistreating Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), his wife, and their cherished dog Piper.

Following the dog’s poisoning, broadcast regulator Ofcom received 850 complaints.

In an attempt to visit Belle following her admission to a mental health hospital, Tom King—who has been manipulating and controlling her for months—used a syringe to poison her dog Piper during an episode of the ITV soap opera.

Tom assured me that he would suffer more from this than from it before doing the deed. Well, maybe not.

Emmerdale was compelled to broadcast behind-the-scenes video of Minnie, the canine actress who portrays Piper, in order to make sure she was safe after the intense criticism from fans.

“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!” the statement reads with the video. We can attest that she has not suffered any injuries at all.

Producer Laura Shaw has defended her choice to broadcast the sequences in spite of the backlash, claiming that they were made aware of the situation when doing research for the story.

In a recent conversation, she remarked, “We should have gotten an ugly dog.”

At an abortion facility, Belle asks for assistance. (Image: ITV)
Tom is electrocuted in a fit of rage (Picture: ITV)

“I don’t think having a dog this adorable has been helpful.” On Emmerdale, people get really upset if you put a creature in danger. Did I anticipate it? Indeed.

“Piper will definitely have a future role in the story,” she said. Though I’m kidding, it’s based on studies. One of the things we discovered is that family pets and other individuals you care about are common tools used by abusers to harm you.

“I assure you that this is not just us being cruel to the dog for fun; all of this is based on research.”

Tom will find out in later scenes that Belle wants retribution and has contacted an abortion clinic for assistance.

Before that happens, Belle will admit to her mental health coordinator that she lied to Tom about had a miscarriage. During their talk, Belle quickly realises that her husband is really abusing her.

She has no idea that Noah (Jack Downham), who lives in the hamlet, had told Tom, very innocently, that he spotted Belle in town while she was meant to be out walking her dog.

As he lifts the metal bar over his head, it hits with the rotary isolator and sends an electric shock through his body, sending him flying across the room. All hell breaks free, and he starts to tear up the barn he’s in.

When will she be able to go away? (Image: ITV)

Unfortunately, the guy won’t go away; he will still ruin his wife’s life.

Laura described the tremendous response from the crowd as “phenomenal.”

“We’ve discussed domestic abuse on the show before, but we did so in different ways—we used technology, for example, and Belle’s mental health was exploited against her,” the spokesperson said.

A somewhat different perspective on domestic violence is presented. The audience’s response has really been amazing.

“This is what happened to me and I felt like this as well,” are among the numerous letters and comments that we have received from women and men alike.

While reading some of it and seeing how many people are impacted by it might be difficult at times, you also have to acknowledge that you are giving them a voice and enabling them to express themselves because that is what they want.

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