Thai drama's cat poisoning scene sparks animal cruelty investigation and public putcry
A controversial scene in the Thai period drama The Empress of Ayodhaya, depicting the poisoning of a black cat named Samli, has sparked public outrage and an official investigation into possible animal cruelty.
The disturbing scene, which aired recently, showed Samli being forced to drink a solution, after which the cat experienced convulsions and cries before collapsing, creating a wave of concern for its well-being.
According to the Bangkok Post, the Department of Livestock Development has launched an investigation to determine if animal cruelty occurred during the filming.
Show director Sant Srikaewlaw responded to the criticism on November 9, sharing video clips on Facebook to prove that the cat was alive and well after filming.
He explained that the cat was administered an anaesthetic during the scene under the close supervision of its owner and trained professionals.
The broadcasting channel, One31, released a statement online on November 10, confirming that the scene was conducted under the care of experts from an animal modelling agency with over ten years of experience.
Despite the assurances, authorities have called for the cat to undergo a full examination to ensure its health and confirm no harm was done.
Animal scenes in film and television have been met with scrutiny over the years, with some instances leading to animal welfare reforms in the industry. A notable case from 1986 involved the Japanese adventure comedy The Adventures of Milo and Otis, where reports emerged of animal cruelty and the alleged deaths of at least 20 cats during production.
