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Pumpkins have been carved, skeletons are creeping onto porches, and entire neighborhoods are turning into festive, spooky scenes. But before pulling out one of the most commonly used Halloween decorations, a well-known TV doctor has issued an important warning that’s making people think twice.
In a video shared on his Instagram this Thursday, Dr. Amir Khan—regular medical expert on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain—urged Halloween enthusiasts to steer clear of artificial spider webs in outdoor setups. Though these stretchy, web-like materials are a staple for achieving a haunted house effect on trees, shrubs, and porches, Dr. Khan highlighted the serious danger they pose to wildlife.
Dr. Khan kept his tone friendly and upbeat, starting his video with a warm greeting. He made it clear he is a fan of the spooky season himself, saying, “I love Halloween as much as everyone,” but then got to his main point, pleading with viewers, “Please, please, don’t put those fake cobwebby things around your bushes or trees or outdoor plants or wherever outside.”
While admitting they "do look kind of cool," he stressed their harmful impact on animals.
“They trap animals, they trap birds, they trap bugs, and things just die a horrible, horrible death in them,” he explained.
He concluded his message with a simple plea to fellow animal lovers: “As a bird lover, as an animal lover, if you are the same, it’s just not worth it.”
The reaction to Dr. Khan’s message was swift and overwhelmingly supportive. Within just 24 hours, his post attracted thousands of views and comments, many from followers who expressed gratitude for raising awareness about something they hadn’t previously considered.
“Aw I didn’t know this! Thanks Doctor,” wrote one user. Another shared a similar sentiment, commenting, “I actually never thought about it this way… honestly.”
A third commenter added a grateful, “Bless you!! I have used that stuff in the past & fortunately nothing ever got stuck in it as I took it down straight away. Xx”
Supporters applauded him for using his platform to advocate for animals and raise awareness about the risks these decorations can cause.
“Bless you, Amir, thank you so much for posting this message, I totally agree with you,” one person wrote. “Can’t bear the thought of putting wildlife, birds or animals in danger.”
“Excellent advice Dr Khan!” Wrote another animal lover. “They may look fun for us but not for the wildlife that they may injure or kill. 😢”
It became clear: people were thankful for the reminder and ready to make more mindful choices this Halloween.
Dr. Amir also reassured viewers that spooky fun doesn’t need to be sacrificed. In the same post, he shared several fun and eco-friendly decoration ideas that are safe for wildlife.
“Pumpkins and autumnal wreaths are a lovely wildlife friendly alternative,” he wrote in the caption. He also suggested using a pumpkin in his video, calling pumpkins “nice” alternatives, though wildlife-savvy fans in the comments did add reminders to keep pumpkins off the ground, as they can be dangerous to other wildlife, particularly hedgehogs.
Commenters also jumped in with their own creative and animal-friendly alternatives, proving that a festive Halloween can still be kind to nature.
“I could not agree more Amir,” one wrote. “I make Seasonal Wreaths and Bunting from recycled fabrics and try to encourage people to stop buying plastic decs, fake cobwebs etc.”
“Just decorate inside the home with the Cobwebs, simple!” Another commenter added, with a cheeky spider emoji at the end.
One commenter had perhaps the most natural alternative suggestion of all. “At this time of year, if you keep some good thorny bushes about, the spiders make them for you; it’s a Halloween collab!”
Source: Parade