Animal NGO urges Hongkogners to shun gov’t-backed equestrian show Cavalluna

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia (PETA) has urged Hongkongers to shun a live equestrian theatrical show at the Kai Tak Arena, citing animal cruelty allegations.

Cavalluna – Gate to the Otherworld debuted on Tuesday and runs until Sunday, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club as the main host and event partner. The immersive show from Europe involves 54 horses, stunts, dancing and large sets.

In a statement on Thursday, a PETA Asia spokesperson said: “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.”

“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,” they added.

The NGO called on the public to reject “spectacles that exploit animals and to choose only animal-free entertainment.”

PETA Germany released video clips last year appearing to show Cavalluna horses repeatedly enduring painful overstretching of the neck, restrictions in sight and breathing, and involvement in tricks involving fire and light. The whistle-blower footage was submitted to the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of a criminal complaint alleging animal welfare violations.

Horses ‘part of the family’

Cavalluna previously responded to PETA Germany on its website, saying animal welfare is its highest priority: “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… If a horse were scared or suffering, even a layperson could easily see it in its body language and expression.”

They said that animal welfare representatives and independent official veterinarians examine all animals, tents, transport vehicles and riding gear worldwide, adding that Cavalluna horses are stallions which “enjoy presenting themselves.”

In a response on Friday to HKFP, Cavalluna said “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.”

The organisers said that horses are trained to become familiar with bright lights, music and applause, dismissing PETA’s claims as “sensationalist.” It condemned rollkur, saying that baroque horse breeds like Lusitanos or Friesians naturally arch their necks high.

“Production is regularly inspected by the relevant veterinary authority – a completely independent, critical and professionally trained body. This includes the horses themselves, the equipment, the stables and the transport vehicles,” they said.

At an opening ceremony this week, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law hailed the show as underlining “Hong Kong’s standing as a premier host of world-class events.”

Cavalluna enjoyed support from the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. Large-scale events are eligible for a maximum funding amount of HK$15 million.

HKFP has reached out to the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Safeguard press freedom; keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team

Support HKFP  |  Policies & Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact  |  Newsletter  | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps

Make a one-off donation.

Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 as the city's first crowdfunded newspaper. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously founded an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.

Tom leads HKFP – raising funds, managing the team and navigating risk – whilst regularly speaking on press freedom, ethics and media funding at industry events, schools and conferences around the world.