Water for Elephants bosses slam animal abuse reports

The producers of Water for Elephants, which features Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, have slammed the reports about animal abuse during the production of the film. The 20th Century Fox bosses claim that they have taken utmost care and given humane treatment to all animals involved in the production.

Recently, a footage showing 42-year-old Asian elephant Tai, was released by campaigners from the Animal Defenders International (ADI) group. In the clip, the elephant was allegedly beaten with hooks and given electric shocks to perform headstands. ADI president Jan Creamer condemned the film crew for mistreating the elephant during the production of Water for Elephants.

Now, 20th Century Fox bosses have releaesd a statement denying any kind of animal abuse. The statement reads: "Twentieth Century Fox feels strongly that we have taken every step to ensure that the film, while portraying the perception of animal abuse (often through digital effects), held in utmost importance the proper care and humane treatment of all animals involved in the production."

"Fox and the filmmakers behind Water for Elephants are disturbed and saddened by the video being circulated that purportedly shows the elephant Tai being mistreated several years ago. We are strongly opposed to violence against animals, humans or any creatures."

"Fox is compelled to point out that this video was not taken during the training for, or production of, our film, and neither Tai nor any other animal performer in the film was harmed in any way during the making of this film."