Peter Jackson hits back at claims The Hobbit caused 27 animal deaths
Metro Film ReporterMonday 19 Nov 2012 8:11 pm
Director Peter Jackson has 'completely rejected' claims by animal handlers that film producers were responsible for the deaths of 27 animals used in The Hobbit trilogy.
A spokesman for director Peter Jackson said two horse deaths were avoidable (Picture: PA)
Jackson issued a statement stressing that the welfare of animals on set was taken seriously by all involved with the making of the trilogy.
He also added that a large amount of animals that appeared in the film, including hedgehogs, birds and mice, were added into scenes using CGI.
The director said in his statement: 'The producers completely reject the accusations that twenty seven animals died due to mistreatment during the making of the films.'Extraordinary measures were taken to make sure that animals were not used during action sequences or any other sequence that might create undue stress for the animals involved.'Over fifty five per cent of all shots using animals in The Hobbit are in fact computer generated; this includes horses, ponies, rabbits, hedgehogs, birds, deer, elk, mice, wild boars, and wolves.The statement, published by The Hollywood Reporter, went on: 'We regret that some of these accusations by wranglers who were dismissed from the film over a year ago are only now being brought to our attention. We are currently investigating these new allegations and are attempting to speak with all parties involved.'
Peter Jackson has said that animal safety was taken very seriously while filming The Hobbit (Picture: Warner Bros.)
The American Humane Association had claimed horses, goats, sheep and chickens died, largely because they were kept on a farm full of 'death traps', including bluffs and sinkholes.
One horse broke its back, while another was found dead in a stream.
One handler claimed to have buried three horses, six goats and sheep and 12 chickens.
A spokesman for director Peter Jackson had previously said two horse deaths were avoidable but the production company, owned by Warner Bros, quickly improved conditions.
No animals were harmed during the actual filming.
Animal rights groups are planning protests at the premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Wellington, New Zealand, next week.
The film opens in Britain on December 13.
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