He has released a statement, via the Hollywood Reporter in response to the claims made earlier this week.
“The producers completely reject the accusations that 27 animals died due to mistreatment during the making of the film. 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 first film in Jackson’s new trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (above), is due for release this December, with follow up installments due next year and in 2014.
Photo: Warner Bros.
