LOS ANGELES (Reuters)-a white tip shark sent from New York and inserted into an outdoor swimming pool for a Kmart commercial in Los Angeles died after showing signs of suffering, said an official of the animal welfare group that has monitored the production Thursday.
The American Humane Association (AHA), which certifies films and television productions with animals, has had a representative at the scene of the shooting on March 6 and it is said that everything possible was done to ensure the security of the shark 5-foot (1.5 meters).
The shark's death follows lengthy criticism of the use of animals in Hollywood productions. Last year, the spectacle of horse racing "Luck" on HBO was excluded after the death of three horses used in drama series.
The animal rights group people for the ethical treatment of animals (PETA), who said he received details about the death of sharks by two informers on the set, has criticized the American Humane Association in a letter to the Group on the shark's death.
"Sharks are sensitive animals who, in captivity, require highly specialized and controlled environment," read the letter from PETA. "Given the delicate nature of this species, because the AHA would approve the carriage and use of this animal?"
The shark was placed in an outdoor tub of 60,000 gallons (227 liters) in the suburb of Los Angeles, Van Nuys, said Karen Rosa, senior consultant for the film and television units of the American Humane Association. He added that it was a good amount of water for fish.
"I honestly don't know why the animal is dead. Was not being mistreated. It has not been damaged, "said Rosa.
In the morning, the shark seemed to be in good condition, but at one point the Association representative noticed that showed signs of distress, rose said.
"As far as I know, had immediately insisted that receiving specialized care animal aquatic veterinarian," he said.
Oxygen was pumped into the tank and the shark was given a shot of adrenaline to try to stabilize it before it was moved to a compound for water treatment, where he died the same day, rose said.
Filming for a Kmart commercial, but a representative for the retailer couldn't reveal the concept behind the TV spot.
"We take this matter seriously and security is always our primary concern," Howard Riefs, a spokesman for Kmart owner Sears Holdings, said in a statement.
(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Cynthia Johnston)
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