Fans of This Morning have slammed a guest on the programme for saying that taking time off work to grieve the loss of beloved pet is “bonkers”.
Anna May Mangan was on the show earlier today (21.08.19) to argue that employers should not give staff time off following the death of a pet, calling the idea a “scam”.
As the debate unfolded, co-hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford – who are covering through the week while regulars Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby enjoy time off for the summer – both admitted they would stay off if their dog Maggie passed away.
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Speaking on the programme, Anna May said: “It’s a scam, really. I don’t think it’s deserved. It puts the pressure of losing a pet on your colleagues and employer. That isn’t reasonable. They’re not fur babies. They’re pets.”
But Ruth argued that she and Eamonn see their dog as a “member of the family”, explaining: “If my dog had died this morning, I don’t think I would be here today. I would really struggle.”
Eamonn agreed and said he would be “in mourning” and “very sad” if anything were to happen to Maggie.
Anna lost her own pet dog six months ago. But she remained adamant that the death of a dog in no way compares to the death of a human being.
Joining her in the studio was Zak Edwards, who told Eamonn and Ruth that when his dog Polly died, it was comparable to losing a family member.
As a result, he gives his own staff time off to grieve for their pets if they need it.
He said: “What good is a member of staff at work who comes in and they’re mortified because their dog or their hamster has died? They’re not going to do their job properly. They’re going to resent us. And I just look at it holistically. Are they going to give us more of a better performance if we look after their well-being in their entirety?”
But Anna May had argued that it’s “all a bit bonkers” and asked if she had a bad hair day, should be also be considered for compassionate leave?
Viewers reacted with outrage on Twitter, with one writing: “This woman leads a very bitter life! The emotion of losing a pet is a very real thing and everyone reacts differently.”
Another said: “That pet-hating woman properly wound me up #thismorning.”
A third tweeted: “Yes, having a bad hair day is EXACTLY the same as your beloved pet dying! What a heartless [bleep], the loss of your pet IS 100% a ‘real’ bereavement #ThisMorning #heartless.”
Someone else raged: “This woman is absolutely abhorrent. ‘I have bad hair days, should I be allowed a day off?’ No because a member of the family hasn’t just died – yes FAMILY – that’s what a ‘pet’ is, you heartless, uncompassionate human. Glad you’re not my employer #ThisMorning.”
“Heartless woman, how dare she compare her bad hair day to a family pet dying,” wrote a fifth, adding: “They are members of the family.”
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But not everyone thought she was completely off the mark.
Someone tweeted: “I’ve lost various pets over the years and have been really upset. However, I’ve just lost my dad and it is by no means the same. There is just no comparison for me. But everyone is different. #thismorning.”
Another said: “#thismorning I love my pets, but I am now at the age where uncles/aunts/parents are dying. I can’t get compassionate leave for everything. I save annual leave for emergencies each year.”
It follows a divisive debate on the show earlier this week after animal behaviourist Jo-Rosie Haffenden was on to discuss applying dog training techniques to parenting.
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