horrifying

HBO, Others Sued for Animal Cruelty

Suit claims 27 animals killed in filming "The Hobbit."

That American Humane Association disclaimer at the ending movie credits may not be as reassuring as you'd thought. A former AHA employee is suing HBO, Stewart Productions, and her old organization under allegations that they all allowed the abuse of horses and then tried to cover it up. Barbara Casey claims she was fired from the set of HBO's canceled horseracing series, Luck, after refusing to comply with AHA's demand to ignore animal safety in favor of saving time and money. Her suit states that four horses died on the set of Luck, and also notes that 27 animals were killed in the filming of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.