[via Hollywood Reporter]
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. 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 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 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.
ENDS