Horse Injured and Euthanized While Filming on the Set of 'Luck'

DENVER, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During the April 30, 2010, filming of the new HBO series pilot, Luck, a racehorse stumbled following a short race sequence and fell on its shoulder, causing a severe fracture. The two veterinarians on the scene deemed the condition inoperable and determined that the most humane course of action was euthanasia. An American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ was monitoring the animal action on the set when the incident occurred.

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"This was an unfortunate accident that was in no way a result of any mistreatment or negligence on the part of HBO," said Karen Rosa, vice president of American Humane's Film & Television Unit. "We are all sincerely saddened by this accident that happened after the final shot on the final day of filming for this show. Throughout filming, HBO has been extremely collaborative and responsive to the many safety guidelines and precautions we put in place."

Luck revolves around the culture of horseracing. "The pilot is about a bunch of intersecting lives in the world of the horseracing track," David Milch recently told Daily Variety. Milch is the creator and executive producer of the show, along with executive producer Michael Mann. Milch is able to professionally view horseracing from every angle, as he owns close to 100 horses and has won several Breeders' Cup races.

In the 70 years of oversight by American Humane for the film and television industry, countless animal injuries and deaths have been prevented by American Humane's presence on the set. Sadly, despite all precautions, accidents do occasionally happen, but as long as animals continue to be used in film and television entertainment, American Humane will continue to monitor their treatment and work to ensure their safety.

For additional information on this incident, go to www.americanhumane.org/film.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to   protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

SOURCE American Humane Association