HBO fires back after Westworld faces PETA criticism over the use of elephants

HBO faces criticism from PETA regarding the use of elephants in last week’s episode of Westworld–and they fired back

HBO has long been a target of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals, and they have once again been targeted–this time via Westworld. A letter was written to the network’s programming president Casey Bloys regarding the use of elephants in last week’s episode.

"“Animals used in film and TV are often kept in extreme and distressing confinement, deprived of everything that’s natural and important to them, and subjected to abusive training methods, including beatings and the use of electric prods and bullhooks, without which they would simply walk off the set. PETA’s experts have identified one of the elephants used in Westworld as Tai, who’s exhibited by the notorious supplier Have Trunk Will Travel. She can be seen crying out as she’s electrically shocked in [an] eyewitness video footage taken at HTWT’s training compound.”"

Later that day, HBO issued a statement of their own responding to PETA’s allegations:

"“All of the animals featured on HBO series are treated with the utmost care and respect for their health, safety and well-being. A certified animal safety representative from American Humane was present at all times during any animal action on the set of Westworld.  The AHA has confirmed that the animals were well-treated, and the production received the designation of ‘No Animals Were Harmed.’ We are reviewing the circumstances related to archival training footage which included one of the elephants that appeared in the series. Of course, none of this video was shot during the production and does not in any way reflect practices on our sets.”"

HBO has been criticized in the past by PETA regarding their use of animals in The Leftovers, Vice Principals, and Silicon Valley. Not to mention, in 2012 PETA went after HBO during the filming of Luck, after three horses died. They suggested that HBO opt out of using real animals and resort to CGI technology for any animal scenes.

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In last week’s episode, we were introduced to a new park called the Raj, a fantasy theme park that allows guests to indulge in a colonial India. While the elephants were real, Westworld did use CGI to re-create a Bengal tiger. Angered fans and PETA argue that this technology should be used across the board, and using real animals should no longer be an option.

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Westworld airs new episodes every Sunday at 9 P.M. EST!