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PETA got the greenlight from the Los Angeles Times to run an ad that shows an image of a dead horse that was "shot"—as in killed—on location.PETA says that the entertainment biz is especially deadly for horses, who are very commonly injured or killed on the set. (We can only hope the horse in that stock image photo used was treated humanely. Just this week a horse on a photo shoot was spooked— and nearly lost at sea.)
The ad was rejected by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, but the Times agreed to run it in their Calendar section, according to PETA.
The copy in the ad says:
Animals don’t choose to appear in films, TV, or advertising, yet thousands are forced to perform every year. Of all animal “actors,” horses are the most frequently killed or injured on set, often with the American Humane Association in attendance. Current guidelines are not sufficient to protect them. It’s up to producers, directors,
and everyone on a project to make sure that all “actors” make it out alive. Or better yet, leave horses out of the production altogether.
This ad comes on the heels of a complaint filed with the DA's office and California Veterinary Medical Board alleging that horses were abused and neglected on the set of HBO's Luck. The complaint was filed after at least three horses died on the set (PETA says there was a fourth) and HBO pulled the plug on the show.PETA Vice President Kathy Guillermo released a statement advising the entertainment industry to be mindful of how they treat horses or leave them off the set entirely:
"PETA's ad is a reminder to Hollywood that current guidelines simply don't safeguard animals in entertainment. It's up to producers and directors to protect horses—ideally, by leaving them off of the set in the first place."
Related:
Third Horse Dies on "Luck" Set; PETA is "PISSED" and HBO Halts ALL Production
HBO Shuts Down "Luck" Completely Following Death of 3rd Horse on Set
