AHA Mourns Passing of Horse at Santa Anita Racetrack

Animal reared up and fell during walk to barn; Investigation to follow

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This morning, a horse that was going to be filmed in the HBO television series "Luck" died. The horse had just been inspected and passed by a licensed veterinarian conducting soundness checks and was being walked back to its barn by a groom at Santa Anita Racetrack when it reared up, fell backwards and injured itself. American Humane Association Certified Safety Representatives were on the scene and the attending veterinarian treated the animal. Unfortunately, the injury was deemed inoperable and the most humane course, to the great sorrow of everyone present, was euthanasia.

American Humane Association maintains the most rigorous guidelines and standards involving animals on TV and movie sets.  While this incident did not occur on set, while filming, or during racing, we immediately demanded that all production involving horses shut down.  We are also insisting that this stoppage remain in full effect pending a complete, thorough, and comprehensive investigation.

We, along with the entire horse-loving community, grieve that a beautiful animal died.  We have worked for more than 70 years to ensure the proper treatment of animals in film, and we will work closely and diligently with investigators and other experts in the field to determine the cause and if such incidents may be prevented in the future.

About American Humane Association
Since 1877 American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

SOURCE American Humane Association

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