ABC has announced a new 6-part series supported through the ABC and Screenwest’s Factual Formats Initiative. New Leash on Life will premiere on Tuesday 4 July at 8 pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Each year thousands of dogs across Australia are impounded for a variety of reasons. Renowned comedian Joel Creasey teams up with leading dog behaviourist Laura V as they try to reduce the number of dogs in pounds. Together they rescue, train and pair each dog with a family or person in need of a new best friend.
Across 6 different episodes, Joel and Laura work towards a mutual rescue, that sees a dog paired with a new owner. But these matches can be complex, and Laura must ensure the dog will work well in the prospective new home, and just as importantly, that the owner is the right fit for the dog.
Though he’s a big dog lover, Joel has never stepped foot in a pound before and he has much to learn from Laura. A fish out of water, Joel takes in Laura’s vast knowledge and works with the rescue dogs to prepare them for their new homes.
Through a series of different encounters and activities, New Leash on Life will take viewers on an emotional journey as the show highlights the healing power of canine companionship.
Launched in 2022, the ABC Factual Formats Initiative is a major Western Australian joint initiative designed to discover the next great returnable factual series out of Western Australia.
Production credit: An Artemis production. Financed with the assistance of ABC and Screenwest.
Series Producer: Nia Pericles and Hannah Pocock. Executive Producers: Celia Tait and Nia Pericles.