Channel 5 has commissioned BBC Studios to make a new 3 x 60’ series, Lost Dogs: Live a TV event that will call on the nation to help find Britain’s missing dogs.
Presented broadcaster, writer and dog lover Clare Balding, the series will celebrate the love we have for our dogs, with viewers encouraged to contact the programme to report sightings of dogs who have gone missing and help the show to track them down in a bid to reunite them with their owners.
The series has been commissioned by Kit Morey, commissioning editor, Unscripted, Channel 5 & Paramount+ and will be executive produced by Pat Doyle at BBC Studios.
Balding will be joined by a raft of roving reporters including Michelle Ackerley, Dr Amir Khan, Storm Huntley, JB Gill, Radzi Chinyanganya and Rav Wilding.
Britain is a nation of dog lovers with over 13 million dogs living with us as pets in our homes. But 40% of us have had a dog go missing, and 60% of missing pets are never recovered.
Each live episode will feature round-ups of missing dogs and found dogs from across the UK with a call to action for viewers to get in touch if they have any information that might help lead to a happy reunification. In addition, expert individuals, groups and organisations will showcase the latest advice on how to keep dogs safe and showcase the modern tech being used to help find lost or stolen dogs.
Lost Dogs: Live will also feature retrospective stories of hope where pets have been returned home to their families, sometimes against all the odds.
Clare Balding said: “Our dogs are not just pets, they’re part of the family and if one goes missing, it’s a traumatic experience. With Channel 5 leading the charge, I’m looking forward to helping reunite owners with their dogs and to share tips on how to keep our animals safe.”
Kit Morey, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, Channel 5 & Paramount+ commented: “We’re so very delighted to have Clare on board for what is such an important and heart-warming series for our viewers. I’m looking forward to seeing the emotional reunions of dogs with their families. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.”
Adeline Ramage Rooney, Creative Director, BBC Studios Factual Entertainment added: “We are so excited to be launching this brand-new, feel-good format for Channel 5 and look forward to helping reunite Britain’s lost dogs with their families as well as arming viewers with the latest expert advice on how to keep their pets safe. Get ready for some joyously tear-jerking, tail-wagging happy endings!”
The series is expected to air in July with further details on TX to be revealed in due course.
Pippa Considine
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