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)
January 03, 2013 - 11:42 AM
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, 2013