Cruelty complaint over treatment of owls on Harry Potter studio tour

Live owls which feature in a popular British “studio tour” of the Harry Potter movies face “cruel” and “demeaning” conditions, according to an animal rights group.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) posted a video to YouTube which it claims shows birds being mistreated by staff for the pleasure of visitors. Peta said it decided to investigate after receiving complaints from fans who took the Warner Bros Harry Potter studio tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

WATCH: The video that Peta says shows cruel and demeaning treatment of owls

“‘Trainers’ supervising the tour showed gross negligence both in handling the birds and in ensuring public safety,” said the organisation on its website. “Staff actively encouraged flash photography, despite the fact that owls have especially acute vision and find blinding camera flashes extremely distressing. The owls respond by desperately chewing at their tethers and shaking their heads.

“A trainer also cajoled people to touch the frightened birds, ignoring signs telling people not to touch the birds. As bird experts will tell you, as well as being stressful for the owls, this also interferes with the natural oils in their feathers that keep them warm.