A scene in the Thai television show Mae Yua showing a black cat appearing to convulse has sparked widespread debate over potential animal cruelty, with many questioning if the animal was sedated. The show's director stated that an expert was on set during filming and shared recent photos of the cat, asserting its well-being.
However, Jason Baker, Senior Vice President of PETA, condemned the alleged sedation of the cat, calling it reckless, dangerous, and cruel, especially when modern technology like CGI, AI, and animatronics could be used to create such effects. Baker argued that the director, Santi Srikaewlor, should be barred from working with animals. He emphasized that entertainment should never involve risking animal welfare, underscoring that such practices are incompatible with ethical filmmaking.