DOG DAYS
Paul O’Grady reveals For the Love of Dogs filming cancelled – because Battersea doesn’t have enough dogs
PAUL O'Grady has revealed the new series of For the Love of Dogs has been delayed - because Battersea Dogs and Cats Home hasn't got enough dogs to rehome.
The television star follows the journeys of abandoned pooches in the ITV series but tonight told how lockdown has pushed back filming to at least December.
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Speaking on Instagram, Paul explained to pal Gaby Roslin: "We were supposed to start filming in August but they’ve got no dogs.
"I suppose because of lockdown people who have taken dogs they're still having a good time with them.
"I suppose it's when circumstances changed and they're made to go back to work we'll see a lot of dogs brought in.
"So it’s all been cancelled and they said we’ll probably do it in December. But I said we’ll probably be locked down again then.
"But it’s good because they don’t have a lot of dogs anymore."
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However, a spokesperson for Battersea Dogs Home explained: "We love POGDOGS as much as our supporters do and to do the show justice for the next season, we have postponed filming for a few months.
"This is to ensure we can safely and responsibly accommodate Paul and the ITV crew inside our kennel buildings and veterinary hospitals, while adhering to social distancing guidelines from the Government.
"Battersea's staff have been hard at work throughout lockdown, caring for the dogs and cats across our three centres.
"While it's true we currently have fewer animals than usual available to rehome, due to both high rehoming demand and having to suspend non-emergency intake at the beginning of lockdown, we are taking in dogs and cats again and continue to be here for every dog and cat that needs our help, as we have been for 160 years.
"We're looking forward to welcoming Paul and the crew back on site later in the year and sharing more stories of our dogs’ incredible journeys."
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Lockdown has meant an increase in people working from home and able to care for puppies and dogs.
And social distancing rules has meant rehoming centres haven't been able to open.
However there are fears that when people return to work a host of lockdown pups will be sent for rehoming.
A special where are they now edition of For the Love of Dogs aired tonight on ITV.
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The hour-long special saw Paul look back at some of his most memorable dogs from the series that has been running since 2012.
Paul recently told The Sun: "Our show is made with a tiny crew and no fancy lighting.
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"It’s factual so we don’t get the budgets you get for prime time.
"Even though it was hammering The X Factor, our budget wouldn’t cover the Green Room on that show. The balance is a bit unfair."
Grenfell survivors are finally reunited with their pets after spending a year at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
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