Summary of complaint
We received complaints from people who felt our report on cat torture websites included details that were too distressing.
Our response
A ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ investigation had found an international network of online cat torture groups with links to the UK. We'd seen evidence of British members suggesting users adopt kittens from the RSPCA to mutilate, and police were looking into whether these online groups are connected to the killing of two kittens in west London in May. As such, we felt it was in the public interest to report on these websites.
We appreciate this is a challenging story, and we did think carefully about which details and images to include. We consulted with senior advisors and made sure not to air the more horrific videos. We also included warnings that the report contained distressing details, such as when it aired during ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One's Breakfast.
Our main news programmes are aimed at a general adult audience, not children, though we have strict Editorial Guidelines in place which require our News teams to carefully consider the use of potentially distressing images or material that may cause harm or offence. In this instance we felt the inclusion was editorially justified.
We were mindful of how this story might resonate with our audiences. Our report has also received positive feedback from cat protection groups.