HBO quickly cancelled the show “Luck” after accusations that horses were murdered on the set surfaced. HBO cancelled the show back in March but the backlash continues to follow the network.
Barbara Casey has filed a lawsuit against her former employee the American Humane Association as well as HBO for wrongful termination. She is alleging that the network in addition to Stewart Productions who were producing the show “aided and abetted” an alleged abuse cover-up.
The lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court and Casey maintains that drugged horses, underweight and/or sick horses were noticed by the AHA and those horses were routinely used on the show.
Casey also claims that producers would intentionally misidentify the horses in order to make it impossible for the animal safety reps to track the horse’s medical histories. Another allegation brought by Casey is that both HBO and Steward Productions were trying to save time and money so they pressured the AHA to allow them violation of safety standards.
The show “Luck” was filmed at the Santa Anita, California racetrack and reportedly three horses died and a fourth death is suspected. PETA spokesperson Wendy Wegner commented on the situation regarding the animal cruelty.
“This lawsuit shows that the days when animals could be abused and killed behind the closed doors of the film and television industry are over. If you harm an animal in Hollywood, PETA is going to find out.”
PETA first called for an investigation in February 2012. They accused HBO of “putting old, unfit horses on a track resulting in their murder.”
Casey stated in the court documents of the lawsuit, “AHA bowed to political and financial pressure and refused to report the Production Defendants’ conduct to the authorities. AHA instructed Plaintiff not to report such conduct.”
“AHA engaged in efforts to conceal and cover up the production defendants’ criminal activities. The production defendants intentionally misidentified horses so that the humane officers and/or animal safety representatives could not tract their medical histories.”
Be sure to check out Kelly’s other columns:
National Family and Parenting Examiner
National Sports Celebrity Examiner
Sex and Relationships Examiner
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