Animal rights activists are calling on HBO to confirm that a horse died on the set of “The Gilded Age” and are asking the network to launch an investigation.
In a letter to HBO Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) cites whistleblower reports that 23 years old horse with possible health issues died last week during filming of the historical drama in Nassau County.
“We’re calling on HBO to confirm the death, to conduct an immediate internal investigation into the incident, and to hold the party or parties who allowed it to occur responsible,” Courtney Penley, coordinator for animals in film & television for PETA, wrote. “Finally, we’re asking you to take measures so that something similar never happens again.”
In the letter, Penley notes that another HBO show, 2012’s racing drama “Luck,” was cancelled after one season after news broke that three horses died during production.
“These animals were unfit, arthritic, drugged, and pushed beyond their capabilities,” Penley writes. “Many weren’t accustomed to film sets and had received no training but were retired racehorses. We had hoped HBO might have learned something from that experience: namely, that horses aren’t props. They’re sensitive animals who can be startled easily, and they must be gradually accustomed to the changing conditions on a set.”
The PETA spokesperson argued that horses should not be used in film or television productions, but said if they are that an equine behaviorist should be on set at all times.
A spokesperson for HBO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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