I've always thought censorship on animal cruelty can often being selective. David Milch's Luck, a brilliant done HBO series that took place around a racetrack was renewed for a second season but then animal rights protesters caused a fuss because three horses had died while filming. HBO rescinded its renewal. I've often wondered when the cancellation had more to do with the fact that Luck had a relatively small audience. I have a feeling if Game of Thrones had faced similar accusations (it premiered the same year Luck did) HBO would have been willing to look the other way.

By the way what version of The Abyss does the BBC actual show? I am aware that there is a director's cut that has a completely different meaning of the movie that only airs occasionally. It involves the aliens in The Abyss using their powers to manipulate tides to create a far larger threat then they do in the larger release and Ed Harris encounter is much more detailed then the original.