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Fans Complain About Goldfish Death

We've suggested that Big Brother fans are not happy in the title of this article, but if we're honest, it's more that fishkeeping enthusiasts – who may not even be fans of the show – have kicked-up a storm over the fact that one of the goldfish died yesterday (see here).

Prior to 'Heaven' (for that was his name) departing this earth and going to fishy, erm, heaven, people complained to Channel 4 that his living conditions were inadequate. However, the broadcaster fobbed them off with this standard cut-and-paste response:

"The fish were purchased from a reputable pet shop and full guidelines on their care has been given to the housemates. We have also instructed the
housemates that the water in the tank needs to be changed every few days."

"They have been provided with oxygenating tablets and water neutraliser, again with full details of use, in order to ensure the quality of the water the fish are living in. We can assure you that all necessary instruction has been passed on to ensure the health and continued well-being of the goldfish."

However, it seems that the broadcaster's efforts were not enough, as one of the pets subsequently died last night having keeled-over in its little bowl earlier in the day.

Channel 4 were subsequently accused of a cover-up, seeing as related threads on the Official BB Forum discussing the matter were removed, and a flippant article declaring the death of the fish was also hastily removed from their website earlier today.

This prompted angry fans/ fishkeepers to talk about reporting the matter to the RSPCA and even the UK TV regulator Ofcom, so Channel 4 issued the following statement this afternoon (Thursday the 14th of August 2008):

"Prior to the two goldfish entering the house, Big Brother consulted a number of expert sources regarding their wellbeing. Full and complete instructions were passed to the housemates including how to maintain the quality of the water, and every care was taken to ensure that they understood their responsibility for looking after the fish."

"Yesterday morning, Big Brother was alerted that one of the fish was unwell. Immediate consultation regarding the fish’s health was sought and instructions were passed to the housemates along with the recommended fish medicine. Big Brother continued to monitor the situation and the fish’s condition improved during the day."

"However, in the early evening the fish passed away. The remaining fish has been removed from the Big Brother house and is safe and well; viewers will see this on tonight's show. That fish has been re-homed with a team member who keeps fish."

So, it seems that the fish died of 'swim bladder disorder', but if C4 had someone who actually keeps fish on the BB production team, how the heck did they let this happen?

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