Following online outrage over alleged animal cruelty, Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development is sending an urgent letter to those involved in the sedation of a black cat, during the filming of the “The Empress of Ayodhaya” TV series, to seek clarification.
The department’s senior veterinarian, Permsin Boon-norm, told Thai PBS today that the department’s Division of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service received a complaint yesterday, claiming that the scene in question involved animal cruelty. The department has ordered an investigation and is currently gathering information and reviewing possible sanctions.
He said that the department is sending an urgent letter to the ONE31 channel, asking the director, the owner of the cat and the “animal expert”, who allegedly sedated the cat, to explain the filming procedures in detail, including how the cat was treated. The department will then assess whether they violated the Animal Cruelty Act. Those involved are expected to report within 7 days.
The department also asked for some of the footage and asked them to take the cat used in the filming for a health check-up, including blood tests and x-rays.
The senior veterinarian explained that, if the cat sedation was not done by a veterinarian, it would violate the Animal Cruelty Act. Those involved would then be subject to two years in prison and/or a fine up to 40,000 baht on conviction.
Also, the person who claimed to be an “animal expert” would also have violated the Veterinary Profession Act, if it is found that they are not a qualified veterinarian.
“The Empress of Ayodhaya” show has come under fire over a scene in which a cat appears to be poisoned. It was subsequently revealed by the director that the cat was sedated for the scene. Thais took to social media to criticise the production for animal cruelty. Eventually, the ONE31 channel issued a statement and apologised for causing viewer discomfort.
Related story: Poisoned cat scene sparks outrage over animal cruelty in Thai series
