Katy Perry Witness the Tour: Singer slammed for ‘disgusting’ koala ad

VIDEO: Myer bosses have been forced to remove content from their Katy Perry advert, after animal lovers branded it “disgusting”.

MYER bosses have been forced to remove content from their Katy Perry advert, after animal lovers branded it “disgusting”.

The retail giant, which was initially “thrilled” with its ad giving people the chance to win free tickets to Perry’s Witness tour, was left red-faced when viewers took offence to Perry’s comment encouraging her pet dog Nugget to “chase some koalas”.

Katy Perry with her teacup poodle Nugget. Picture: @hungvanngo/Instagram

Queensland wildlife vet Claire Madden was “sickened” by the advert, and challenged the singer to come and see the koalas she treats every day who are horrifically injured in dog attacks.

After being alerted to the complaints by The Courier-Mail, bosses took action.

A spokesman for Myer said: “We are aware of comments in relation to Katy Perry’s Witness: The Tour advertisement and a particular reference made to koalas.  We are currently removing the material which references koalas.”

Madden said she was relieved that Myer had seen sense, but added that the ad should never have got approval..

“It’s great news that they’ve taken some action over this, although I’m still amazed as to how the marketing department could have let this comment feature on an ad in the first place. It’s sheer ignorance.”

EARLIER REPORT: POP superstar Katy Perry has outraged animal lovers after encouraging her dog to chase koalas in a “disgusting” campaign for Myer.

Gold Coast wildlife vet Claire Madden is “sickened” by the advert and has challenged the singer to come to see the koalas she treats every day who are horrifically injured in dog attacks.

The campaign with Myer, which is the naming rights partner of Perry’s Witness tour when it lands in Australia next year, features the star and her teacup poodle Nugget.

After telling viewers how they can go into a draw to win one of 8,000 free tickets to her show, Perry ends on the line: “Let’s go chase some koalas, nugget!”

Madden, who has worked at Australia Zoo and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and is in the running to become TV’s next Bondi Vet, told The Courier-Mail she was disgusted and angry.

“This is just absolute ignorance from Perry and Myer, and inappropriate on so many levels” she said.

“Perry is a role model to so many young people, and this just destroys all the good work we do to try to encourage people not to let their dogs come into contact with koalas.”

Madden also posted comments to social media, challenging Perry to come and spend a day with her.

This three-year-old male koala had to be euthanased after a dog attack in Petrie. Picture: RSPCA Queensland.

She said: “Katy Perry I challenge you to come and spend a day with me (a wildlife vet) and learn first hand why your comment should NOT be streamed across the nation.

“Koalas attacked by dogs is one of their biggest threats and primary reasons for presenting to wildlife hospitals across Australia.

“Come visit me and you will quickly learn how adorable and precious our koalas are and how undeserving your comment is.”

On average, approximately 110 koalas are attacked and killed by dogs each year in Queensland alone.

Madden’s social media post received strong support from friends.

One wrote: “I’m surprised Myer thinks this is OK… not funny at all, perhaps Katy needs to see first hand some injuries that dogs cause.”

Another said: “Bloody hell marketing dpt… bad call.”

The Courier-Mail is seeking comment from Myer.