Britain’s Got Talent supremo Simon Cowell has defended the show over claims that a talking dog act is cruel.

Viewers have complained about French ventriloquist Marc Metral and his dog, Miss Wendy, since their first appearance on the hit ITV show.

Simon, who has “thought a lot” about the act, said he brought in the RSPCA to check the animal was not being mistreated.

(Anthony Devlin/PA)
(Anthony Devlin/PA)

He said: “I believe if you can show that animals have personalities, more people will hopefully respect them and show compassion.”

Simon, who owns two dogs and supports several animal charities, said: “We asked the RSPCA to see Wendy in rehearsals and I was told she was happy and looked after well.

“As animal lovers I will always listen to your views. I would never allow any animal to be treated in a cruel way. But care that you care.”

BGT contestant Mark Metral with Wendy (SYCO/THAMES TV)
BGT contestant Mark Metral with Wendy (SYCO/THAMES TV)

The act uses a muzzle-like device to create the illusion of a talking dog, but Marc has previously defended his methods, saying he has worked with Wendy since she was a puppy.

Last night’s show saw a father and sons vocal group and a teenage singer became the latest acts added to the grand final line-up.

Isaac Waddington, 15, won last night’s semi-final after Simon told him he had put on a “fantastic, fantastic performance” but it was The Neales – a four-piece vocal group consisting of singing solicitor Laurie Neale and his three sons, James, Dan and Phil – who brought out his sensitive side.

They sang Father And Son, and when they finished, Simon said: “God, I actually got quite emotional. What’s happened to me?”

The Neales perform on Britain's Got Talent
The Neales (Tom Dymond/Syco/Thames TV)

He added: “I really like you guys.”

Every night this week contestants have been performing for a place in Sunday’s final, with the hope of winning a £250,000 cash prize and the opportunity to appear at the Royal Variety Performance.

Welsh choir Cor Glanaethwy and dance group Entity Allstars became the first acts to go through to the final on Monday night.

Performing dog act Jules O’Dwyer and Matisse won Tuesday night’s semi-final, while dad-dancing five-piece Old Men Grooving also became finalists.

On Wednesday, magician Jamie Raven and Siberian dance troupe UDI were put through.