'Animals died' on French TV show

Arts France claims 15 chickens died after pecking the set

The producers of French reality TV show Celebrity Farm are being sued over claims that animals died on set.

Arts France, which supplied the show's goats, ducks, chickens and a pony, said animals were not cared for properly.

Arts France said it was taking legal action against TV production company Endemol after the deaths of 15 chickens, a hen and a grey cock.

Celebrity Farm followed the experiences of 14 minor French celebrities locked in a remote farmhouse for 70 days.

Endemol said it had "no comment" when asked about the matter, explaining it was "in the hands of the lawyers".

During the 10-week show, the group of actors, television presenters, former singers and ex-models had to survive on the farm without running water, electricity or telephones.

'Crushed'

They also had to milk cows and goats, shear sheep and help farm animals give birth.

In a written statement, Arts France claimed that, on 23 April, 15 chickens died after pecking some non-stick coating on the set.

A grey cock was crushed to death by a carelessly thrown bale of straw and a hen slipped when having to go onto the set on an escalator, it added.

A spokesperson for Arts France said the company waited for the show to finish and for the start of legal proceedings before publicly expressing their concerns.

The final of Celebrity Farm on Friday attracted 6.3 million viewers, according to TV channel TF1.