Rifan Muazin
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia (PETA) has issued a strong call to the public to boycott the live equestrian theatrical show, "Cavalluna – Gate to the Otherworld," currently being held at the Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong. The animal rights organization has raised serious allegations of animal cruelty, citing investigations and video evidence from its German counterpart, PETA Germany, which purportedly document inhumane training methods and performance conditions for the participating horses.
The internationally acclaimed show, which debuted in Hong Kong on Tuesday and is scheduled to run until Sunday, is presented as an immersive European production featuring 54 horses, intricate stunts, choreographed dancing, and elaborate stage sets. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is serving as the main host and an event partner for this engagement. The show’s presence in Hong Kong has been met with official endorsement, with the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, hailing it at an opening ceremony as a testament to "Hong Kong’s standing as a premier host of world-class events." The event also benefits from the support of the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, which provides significant funding for large-scale cultural initiatives.
PETA Asia’s spokesperson articulated the organization’s grave concerns in a statement released on Thursday. "Horses are sensitive, intelligent animals who feel fear and pain—not entertainment props to be trotted out under blinding lights and fireworks for a paying crowd," the spokesperson declared. The organization’s primary contention stems from investigations conducted by PETA Germany, which allegedly captured footage indicating that horses involved in Cavalluna performances are subjected to practices that violate animal welfare standards.
Specific to these allegations, PETA Germany claims to have documented horses being forced into the "rollkur" head-and-neck position. This controversial training technique, also known as LDR (Low, Deep, Round), involves forcing a horse’s head down towards its chest, leading to extreme flexion of the neck. Animal welfare advocates argue that this position can cause significant physical and psychological distress, including restricted breathing, pain, and potential long-term damage to the horse’s spine and muscles. The organization also alleges that horses are driven with whip-cracks into performing frightening tricks, some of which involve the use of fire and light effects, further contributing to their distress.
"A PETA Germany investigation into Cavalluna documented horses being forced into the painful, welfare-violating ‘rollkur’ head-and-neck position and driven with whip-cracks into frightening tricks involving fire and light effects," the PETA Asia spokesperson elaborated. Consequently, the NGO is urging the public to actively reject "spectacles that exploit animals and to choose only animal-free entertainment."
The controversy surrounding Cavalluna is not new. PETA Germany released video clips last year that purportedly showed Cavalluna horses enduring these painful overstretching maneuvers, along with restrictions in their sight and breathing. These clips were reportedly submitted to the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of a criminal complaint alleging animal welfare violations. The whistle-blower footage forms a significant part of PETA’s current appeal to Hong Kong audiences.
Cavalluna, in its defense, has previously addressed these accusations on its official website, asserting that animal welfare is its paramount priority. In a statement regarding PETA Germany’s allegations, the show’s organizers maintained that forcing horses to perform requires their willing participation. "You cannot force a horse to perform gracefully and willingly—not with coercion, food deprivation, or any other methods that violate animal welfare. It is simply impossible to present a horse in liberty work or any other riding discipline if the animal is not willing to cooperate," the statement read. They further argued that any signs of fear or suffering would be evident in a horse’s body language and expression, suggesting that their horses are not experiencing such distress.
Cavalluna also stated that animal welfare representatives and independent official veterinarians conduct thorough examinations of all animals, tents, transport vehicles, and riding gear used in their productions worldwide. They highlighted that the horses performing in Cavalluna are predominantly stallions, which they claim "enjoy presenting themselves."
Responding directly to inquiries from Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) on Friday, Cavalluna organizers reiterated their stance. "Short video clips or photographs can never reflect the full picture of a situation, as the context is missing. Without a professionally trained eye and knowledge of the specific characteristics of a particular lesson or horse breed, no one can make a professional assessment. Consequently, moments are sometimes shown out of context in which a horse, whilst in motion, fails to maintain correct contact for a brief moment," they explained.
The organizers further elaborated that their horses are meticulously trained to acclimate to demanding performance environments, including bright lights, loud music, and audience applause. They characterized PETA’s claims as "sensationalist" and specifically refuted the use of rollkur, asserting that certain baroque horse breeds, such as Lusitanos and Friesians, naturally possess a high neck arch, which might be misinterpreted as forced positioning. Cavalluna emphasized that their production undergoes regular inspections by the relevant veterinary authority, described as a "completely independent, critical and professionally trained body," which scrutinizes the horses, equipment, stables, and transport vehicles.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, a prominent partner in hosting the event, has not yet issued a public statement in response to PETA’s allegations. Similarly, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which often plays a role in promoting major international events, has also been contacted by HKFP for comment but has not yet responded. The involvement of the Hong Kong Jockey Club is particularly noteworthy, given its long-standing tradition and expertise in equestrian sports and animal welfare within Hong Kong. The club’s endorsement lends significant weight to the event’s credibility.
The timing of PETA’s renewed call to boycott comes as the show is in full swing, potentially impacting ticket sales and public perception. The organization’s strategy of leveraging past investigations and public appeals aims to influence consumer choices and exert pressure on event organizers and partners. The debate highlights a broader societal discussion about the ethics of using animals in entertainment, particularly in performances that involve complex maneuvers, loud noises, and potentially stressful conditions.
The controversy also raises questions about the due diligence undertaken by event partners and local authorities in vetting international performances that involve animals. While the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund and government endorsements suggest a thorough vetting process, PETA’s persistent allegations challenge the sufficiency of these assessments. The Hong Kong government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene, as evidenced by its support for such large-scale events, is now juxtaposed against the ethical considerations raised by animal welfare groups.
As the "Cavalluna – Gate to the Otherworld" performances continue at the Kai Tak Arena, the public is left to weigh the spectacle of the show against the serious ethical concerns raised by PETA Asia. The organization’s plea for Hong Kong citizens to opt for "animal-free entertainment" underscores a growing global trend towards conscious consumerism and a greater demand for ethical practices across all industries, including the performing arts. The outcome of this situation could influence future decisions regarding the hosting of animal-involved performances in Hong Kong and potentially set a precedent for how such events are scrutinized and regulated. The ongoing dialogue between animal rights activists and performance organizers serves as a crucial reminder of the evolving ethical landscape surrounding human-animal interactions.
Suro Senen
Evan Lee Salim
