Filmmaker Peter Jackson has fired back at reports suggesting the 27 animals that died during the making of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' were victims of poor treatment.
Activists at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to the director over the weekend after four wranglers hired to help feed and groom the creatures reported abuses and incompetence that led to the deaths of three horses and several sheep, goats and chickens.
But an angry Jackson has blasted the allegations in a statement, which reads: "The producers of 'The Hobbit' take the welfare of all animals very seriously and have always pursued the highest standard of care for animals in their charge.
Peter Jackson
"Any incidents that occurred that were brought to their attention as regards to this care were immediately investigated and appropriate action taken. This includes hundreds of thousands of dollars that were spent on upgrading housing and stable facilities in early 2011.
"The producers completely reject the accusations that 27 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 55 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 American Humane Association (AHA) was on hand to monitor all use of animals by the production. No animals died or were harmed on set during filming.
"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 to establish the truth."
The Hobbit is in UK cinemas from 13 December. Watch the trailer below...