Former humane association worker claims horses mistreated on cancelled HBO series “Luck”

CP21419481
In this image released by HBO, horses race in a scene from the HBO original series "Luck." The former director of the American Humane Association\'s Film and Television Unit sued HBO and the group on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, claiming she was fired for complaining about the use of drugged, sick and underweight horses on the show "Luck." (AP Photo/HBO, Gusmano Cesaretti)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – An animal-rights advocate who oversaw working conditions on the cancelled HBO series “Luck” has sued the network and the American Humane Association, claiming horses on the show were grossly mistreated.

Barbara Casey’s lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles claims underweight, sick and drugged horses were used to film the series focused on the horse racing industry.

The series starring Dustin Hoffman was cancelled in March after four horses died while in production.

Casey was working for the American Humane Association overseeing the well-being of the horses and says she was wrongfully fired after complaining about inhumane conditions on the show.

The association declined comment, citing the pending lawsuit.

HBO told The Hollywood Reporter that it took every precaution to ensure the horses’ safety on the show.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles