Channel 4 has commissioned new series Meat the Family to tackle the question, how much do people really know about the animals that get served on their plate?
The three-part series will see four meat-loving families as they share their homes with the animals that would normally end up on their plate.
Over three weeks, the families will learn about the animals they are living with and the impact of their meat-eating habits.
Cutting-edge studies will investigate animal behaviour and intelligence, as well as the farming practices used and the environmental impact of the meat industry.
Once the three weeks are up, the families will have a choice to make: give up meat for good and send their animals to a sanctuary, or send them to slaughter with the risk that they could end up on their plate.
The perception that some animals are part of a family as pets and others are ok to eat will be explored and the bond between the families and their new house guests will be put to the test.
Produced by Spun Gold TV, managing director Daniela Neumann said the series combines “heart-warming moments” with the “timely themes of ethical eating.”
Neumann added: “Why do we find it acceptable to eat a lamb but we wouldn’t eat our pet dog? Could you go back to meat once you’ve put a name and face to a meal?”
Nicola Brown, commissioning editor of specialist factual at Channel 4 said: “From environmental activism to vegan sausage rolls the debate around eating meat and animal welfare is more prominent than ever before.”
