As an animal-lover, I am appalled that videos showing probable animal mistreatment were promoted to me by YouTube's algorithm.

I discovered that "Fake Animal Rescue Channels" were a 'thing' after YouTube suggested a cat rescue video, which turned out to feature likely animal abuse. 

Kittens, which appeared in serious near-death conditions, were filmed for long periods of time before any help was given. Finding this suspicious, I googled it only to find that there is a dark proliferation of "Fake Animal Rescue Channels".

The creators do not rescue these animals; they put them in situations where they need rescuing and then post the results to make money. These animals may be drugged, starved, or put in perilous conditions just so that the creators can stage a rescue and make money from their channel.

I will not take you any further down this dark rabbit hole, because what I researched became even more disturbing. Research it yourself if you need more information.

It is deeply concerning that some channels are profiting from staged "rescue" videos which may harm animals. These channels not only exploit the goodwill of viewers but also potentially cause harm to the animals involved.

Some of the fake rescue channels amass millions of views, generating substantial ad revenue. They are misleading their audience and profiting from this deception.

Animal lovers are unwittingly and innocently "supporting" these abusive channels with ad revenue just by watching videos that YouTube itself is suggesting to them because they love animals. So, it is not enough that users can report or block channels or not donate. If you have watched a monetised video, your money has already gone into the pockets of people who misuse, and potentially abuse, animals. YouTube needs to take a more active stand against the trend to ensure this does not happen.

YouTube has a responsibility towards its users and should ensure content promoting or involving potential animal cruelty is strictly regulated. YouTube must improve its content monitoring systems and take swift action against any channel found guilty of such practices.

We cannot allow our love for animals and our desire to see them rescued be exploited for financial gain. We cannot allow YouTube to allow our money to be used to support people whose practices we actively condemn.

Please sign this petition urging YouTube to take immediate action against fake animal rescue channels and their monetisation. Your signature can help protect innocent animals from being used as props in deceptive videos designed solely for profit.

Youtube is also not abiding by OFCOM's Online Safety Rules. Under the Online Safety Act, regulated user-to-user services will need to identify risks of harm to their users, and take steps to protect them from illegal content.

"Providers based outside the UK might still have to follow our rules if they have links to the UK – that is, if their service has a significant number of users in the UK or where the UK is one of its target markets." - OFCOM