During Monday night’s episode of Emmerdale, Lydia Dingle (played by Karen Blick) visited domestic abuser Tom King (James Chase) while his wife Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor Draper) remained at a mental health crisis assessment centre.
Lydia petted their dog Piper, telling the little animal how much Belle misses her and doesn’t like being away from her for long.
Once Lydia left, a sick idea popped into Tom’s head and he told the pooch: “Lydia is right. Your mummy will be worrying about how you are doing…
“And we are missing her, aren’t we? Do you want her back as much as I do? Yes you do, yes you do.”
He proceeded to open a box of veterinary supplies which was full of medication and reached for a syringe.
Tom, who was about to give his dog a sleeping injection as part of his latest ploy, said: “This is going to hurt me, more than it hurts you. Actually… Maybe not.”
The dog helplessly looked up at the evil veterinarian who is clearly twisted enough to put a healthy dog down in a bid to get Belle’s attention.
Viewers flocked to Twitter in droves during the upsetting scene, with many praying he has a change of heart.
Craig fumed: “I’m officially complaining about the writing. That’s disgusting #Emmerdale. Leave the dog or else.”
A second warned: “Tom, back away from that dog right now #Emmerdale.”
A third added: “Nah I’m sorry but I draw the line at animal abuse. Terrible. A new low for this show.”
Another added: “Really hope Tom doesn’t hurt Piper #emmerdale.”
Nicky shared: “I am going to stop watching Emmerdale if they don’t get rid of Tom soon! Injecting Piper is the last straw! #Emmerdale.”
Manthy added: “Seriously, #Emmerdale is pushing things too far now, showing Tom hurting the dog? that’s it for me, switching off.”
Emmerdale bosses took to X to assure viewers about the dog’s welfare. The post read: “These scenes can be distressing to watch, but we want to remind you that Minnie (AKA Piper) is a very good actor and is always living her best life on set! We can confirm that no harm has come to her whatsoever.”
Will Belle come running back to Tom when she finds out their dog has tragically died? Will she blame him for the death?
Emmerdale airs on weeknights this week at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.