A dramatic scene in the Thai television series “The Empress of Ayodhaya,” depicting a black cat convulsing on the ground, has sparked an outcry among viewers, who are questioning the ethics behind the scene.
Fans of the show, concerned about the convincing portrayal, have expressed fears that the cat may have been mistreated or subjected to abuse. Despite assurances from the show’s producers about the cat’s well-being, calls for a boycott of the drama have gained momentum on social media.
Thai authorities have stated they are investigating potential animal abuse allegations connected to the scene.
In the contentious episode, a character tests her tea by making a cat drink it, suspecting it may have been poisoned. The cat then appears to writhe on the ground before “dying.” This portrayal led to widespread outrage online, with viewers, including public figures, condemning what they perceived as possible mistreatment.
This controversy has clouded the launch of what was promoted as one of Thailand’s major television releases of the year. “The Empress of Ayodhaya” dramatizes royal conflicts from the Ayutthaya period, inspired by the historical narrative of a 16th-century Siamese queen.
The show’s director, Sant Srikaenlaw, and Thai broadcaster One31 explained that the cat was put under anesthesia, supervised by experts, and assured viewers that it had fully recovered. They also posted photos and videos of the cat to verify its safety and health.
However, public backlash has continued to grow.
The Veterinary Council of Thailand expressed concern about the risks of anesthetizing animals and stated it would take appropriate action. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Livestock Department confirmed that it had launched an investigation into possible animal cruelty and requested access to examine the cat to ensure it was unharmed.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) condemned the decision to use anesthesia on the cat for entertainment, labeling it “reckless, dangerous, and cruel.”
“The public’s outrage is justified,” PETA’s statement read, adding, “Today, CGI, AI, and animatronics offer cruelty-free alternatives. If animal welfare cannot be guaranteed, entertainment should not come at such a cost.”
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