MNN - Mother Nature Network

Good fortune continues to allude horses participating in the production of the HBO drama series "Luck," with another being euthanized Tuesday after what was described as a "freak accident." According to sources, the horse reared back and fell to the ground, hitting its head and breaking its neck. Immediate aid was administered by a vet, and euthanasia was the recommended action. 

 

As a result, HBO has temporarily suspended the use of the animals while filming the second season. 

 

"We will not be filming horses until AHA [American Humane Association] completes its inquiry. Production will continue with other scenes," HBO said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "Everyone associated with 'Luck' cares deeply about the well-being of the horses who are so much a part of the heart and soul of the production."

 

While filming season one, two horses were put down after suffering injuries relating to the filming of racing sequences featured throughout the show. In the aftermath of those deaths, animal rights organization PETA sent a letter to L.A. District Attorney Steve Cooley, asking that his department investigate the deaths, though no direct action was taken. That was one day before the latest death.

 

With yet another horse now gone, PETA is stepping up its efforts, slamming the producers for their "sloppy oversight." 

 

"All the evidence we have gathered points to sloppy oversight, the use of unfit, injured horses, and disregard for the treatment of race horses," a rep for the organization told TMZ.

 

On their blog, the group added that the latest death "warrants a swift and thorough investigation before yet another horse dies. Human affection for horses unfortunately makes them popular subjects for the film industry. Horses may grab our attention, but these animals are not willing participants in the entertainment industry.”

 

HBO says that it is working in full cooperation with AHA and the California Horse Racing Board to make sure further injuries are avoided.