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HBO has cancelled Luck following the death of a third horse.



The Dustin Hoffman drama recently suspended the use of horses after two of the animals had to be put down during filming on the show's second season, sparking protests from animal rights group PETA.

The network has now decided to cancel production on the show following the announcement of another horse fatality.

"It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann together with HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series Luck," the network said in a statement.

"Safety is always of paramount concern. We maintained the highest safety standards throughout production, higher in fact than any protocols existing in horse racing anywhere with many fewer incidents than occur in racing or than befall horses normally in barns at night or pastures.

"While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future. Accordingly, we have reached this difficult decision."

The most recent horse death occurred when one of the creatures flipped over backwards, striking its head on the ground.

Attending veterinarian Dr Heidi Agnic administered immediate aid to the injured horse and determined that humane euthanasia was the most appropriate course of action.

HBO's statement finished: "We are immensely proud of this series, the writing, the acting, the filmmaking, the celebration of the culture of horses, and everyone involved in its creation."

Creator Milch and director Mann praised everyone involved in the series and vowed to work together again in the future.

"The two of us loved this series, loved the cast, crew and writers," the pair added. "This has been a tremendous collaboration and one that we plan to continue in the future."

Luck airs on Sundays at 9pm on HBO in the US. The show airs Saturdays at 9pm on Sky Atlantic in the UK.