The Thai drama series Mae Yua on Channel ONE 31 has sparked public outcry over a scene in Episode 5 where a black cat appears to drink poisoned water and die. Concerns arose about potential animal cruelty, prompting questions about the filming process. Director Sant Srikaewlaw clarified that a mild sedative was used on the cat under the supervision of the animal's owner and veterinary experts. However, the public backlash continued, with the hashtag #BanMaeYua trending on social media.
Channel ONE 31 later issued a statement, emphasizing that the cat was sourced from a specialized animal modeling agency with over 10 years of experience, and was carefully supervised by professionals throughout filming. The network pledged to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Veterinary Council of Thailand has since reviewed the case, with an article published on November 10 discussing the risks and necessary precautions of using anesthetics on animals. Dr. Sirirat Niyom, a veterinary anesthesiology expert, explained that anesthesia requires careful health assessments and monitoring to minimize risks. Anesthesia can affect the nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and endocrine systems, and adverse reactions are possible at any stage, underscoring the importance of qualified oversight.
The Council’s statement warned against careless or unnecessary use of anesthesia, highlighting the potential for severe harm or death to animals if mismanaged.