Controversy surrounding Emmerdale puppy Piper as Tom takes his anger out on her again
Poor Piper has suffered thanks to evil Tom King
Emmerdale fans have seen it all – plotting, scheming, murder, affairs and abuse, but one thing they really can’t get on board with is animal abuse and when Tom King abused Piper the dog it sent them wild with anger.
And tonight (Wednesday July 24) he was at it again, punishing Piper and cruelly locking her outside, before blaming Belle for it all.
It’s fair to say there has been much controversy since Piper was introduced into the soap and we expect there’s soon to be more following tonight’s episode.
Emmerdale viewers vow to switch off over Piper abuse
Disgusted viewers insisted they would ‘stop watching’ back in May after twisted Tom King injected Piper. It was all to regain control over wife Belle Dingle who had checked herself into a mental health unit.
That hadn’t been Tom’s plan when he manipulated her into believing she’d missed her medication and he was furious it had gone so wrong. When she then refused to see or speak to him, Tom went to extreme lengths by injecting Piper with drugs so she would become unwell. Then he knew that would lure Belle home and back under his control.
Dozens of viewers made it very clear they found the scenes with Piper hard to watch.
“This has gone too far now,” wrote one. “I’m a huge Emmerdale fan but disgusted at this, it is vile.”
“The writers should be ashamed of themselves putting these stupid storylines involving animals I hope more people complain about it,” added another.
Someone else shared: “I think Emmerdale should have awards revoked because of the Piper dog storyline.”
A further viewer added: “He was just about to casually euthanise a dog. Too far for this show.”
Emmerdale reported to Ofcom over Piper the dog scenes
Meanwhile, another user complained: “I have just reported tonight’s show to Ofcom. It took me a couple of minutes only. The more people that report it the better.”
And in fact, many, many more did call the broadcasting regulator. Tom’s cruelty towards innocent little Piper affected fans so badly hundreds of complaints were filed to Ofcom.
In the end they received almost 900 complaints about the episode in which Tom nearly killed the dog.
Emmerdale issues statement
Trying to calm the furore surrounding Piper, Emmerdale issued a statement about the scenes on their social channels.
Posting a clip of the scene on Instagram, they said: “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.”
View this post on Instagram
However, the reassurance didn’t stop fans reacting with anger to the storyline as a whole.
“Not watching anymore. This is beyond upsetting and this storyline needs ending now. Until then I’m out,” said one.
Another agreed: “Nah I’m sorry but I draw the line at animal abuse. Terrible. A new low for this show.”
It’s not over for Piper
Despite the complaints and controversy, it hasn’t put Emmerdale off pursuing the storyline. Producer Laura Shaw recently revealed there’s more to come – and the uproar is down to Piper being so cute!
Speaking to Entertainment Daily! and other media, Laura joked: “We should’ve got an ugly dog.”
Referring to the casting of adorable pup Minnie as Piper, Laura added: “Having that cute dog I don’t think has helped. Whenever you put any sort of pet in danger on Emmerdale everyone goes up in arms about it.”
She also confirmed: “Piper will definitely have a future role in the story.”
Going on to defend it, she added: “It’s research-led. One of the things that we’ve found was that that is what abusers use. They will use family pets, people that you love, they will use them as weapons against you. So, this is all based on research. I promise you it’s not just us being mean to the dog for the sake of it.”
Emmerdale confirms further Tom abuse for Belle and Piper the Dog
This week, the soap has aired a flashback episode that showed what happened when Belle and Tom went on holiday to Wales. Charity and Cain had grown concerned about their relative and tracked her down to the remote Welsh cottage, but they found no sign of Belle or Tom and blood on the walls.
A flashback on Wednesday July 24 showed Tom continuing to manipulate Belle as he succeeds in isolating her from her loved ones. And unfortunately, Piper also came in for it.
After Belle took her for a walk and she escaped off the lead, Piper came back muddy. Tom told Belle if she couldn’t train Piper then he would – and he locked her up outside overnight. When he then left the house, he locked Belle in and she had to escape out of a window to give the dog water and food. But she quickly darted back inside the house when Tom came home.
He then proceeded to tell Belle she was being cruel to the dog by not bringing her inside. Belle protested Tom had locked her in, but he denied it.
Belle and Piper eventually made their escape, getting on a bus that drove far away from raging Tom. But will Belle – and Piper – be safe now?
Refuge’s free National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential specialist support on 0808 2000 247.
Those struggling can also visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to speak to an adviser on their live chat.
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.