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Animal rights protest at Ben-Hur show
Peter Dominiczak17.09.09
Animal rights activists will protest at the O2 arena today over the use of animals in the stage adaptation of Ben-Hur.
The show, based on the 1880 novel by Lewis Wallace which spawned the Charlton Heston screen epic, has its world premiere in Greenwich tonight. It stars little-known actor Sebastian Thrun.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals activists are angry that it features 32 horses, 100 doves, three falcons, two eagles, two vultures and two donkeys. The group claims the animals and the audience are at risk of serious injury.
It is believed to be the first indoor staging of high-speed chariot race. The thoroughbred horses have undergone 12 months of intensive training with a team of charioteers.
Five chariots with four horses each will be seen racing at 35mph across a dirt floor. It is performed in the round to give the impression of an ancient arena. Peta supporters will protest before the performance tonight wearing horse masks and holding signs that read, “Ben-Hur Live: Hell for Animals”.
Peta Europe's Poorva Joshipura said: “The actors involved in Ben Hur Live have chosen to participate, but the horses, vulnerable birds and other animals used as living props are forced into this rock concert–like environment that is terrifying for them.
“The use of animals in entertainment belongs in history books, not at the O2 arena in the 21st century after we have learned so much about animals' needs, interests and behaviour.” The show's organisers were not available for comment.
Reader views (13)
animal get looked after very well so im proud thank you to everone
- Kelsey Bailey, belton
I am completely for Peta (I give donations to them regularly) and support animal welfare, however I do feel that they sometimes go too far. These animals are well looked after, trained, challenged and exercised on a daily basis. There are plenty of instances of bad treatment of animals in this world (and yes, plenty more serious infractions in the UK too), please focus on the bigger picture as opposed to chasing publicity by persecuting people and organisations that dont deserve it.
- Adam, London
The entire rehearsal process was watched over by an animal welfare officer. An RSPCA inspector came to the previews and found all animals to be in the highest standards of care. This will continue throughout the run. If they were concerned about the animal's welfare, they would not let them feature in the show. I am in total agreement with the PETA ethos, but people must research these issues thoroughly and get the facts before throwing unsolicited opinion and damaging mistruths around on the web.
- David, United Kingdom
Just as we no longer find it ethical to force oppressed and abused humans to suffer injury and death in the arena for our entertainment, we will soon find it shocking that we used to force helpless animals to perform and risk suffering and injury just for our entertainment and profit. Thank goodness we have animal advocates such as PETA to help usher in necessary social changes.
- Andrew, San Francisco, USA
I wonder whether the people who say they are for animals in entertainment would like to be forced, or see their children being forced, to perform in front of an audience of aliens. Entertainment is about creativity, not animal exploitation.
- Antonio, London
why shouldnt animals perform .they get fed and cared for better than in many countries abroad
do we ask them if we want to kill them to eat them.
- Sharon, LONDON
How long before these idiots pitch up at riding stables to protest at the treatment of ponies being exploited for the entertainment of children? Peta and anyone who works for it is a useless waste of space.
- Sarah, Surrey
I am off to see it tonight with my children! will keep you posted
- Jane, london
Like Jonathon, I loathe PETA. However, in this case they may actually have a point. It only takes one horse to go lame in the middle of the chariot race and you end up with the wrong winner or an injured animal.
- Graham, Reading, England
Animals have been used to entertain us for years. Why should that change because of a lot of sandal-wearing vegans don't like it?
I'm sure the horses will be quite safe, having gone through 12 months training, and will probably enjoy their nightly runs.
- Jock, London
They really should find hobbies or some sensible way to fill their days.
- Mark, London
Ths is awful, animals are NOT for entertainment. What are they thinking? Didn't enough get injured and killed during the making of the film? Ridiculous idea and cruel!
- Elaine G, Dorset, England
God, I loathe Peta
- Jonathan Anthony, Haslemere
