PETA is insisting New Zealand authorities investigate the deaths of several animals associated with the production of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and to prosecute the people behind the alleged abuse.
In a letter addressed to Minister of Primary Industries David Carter, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals argues that the production company should be held "criminally responsible" if allegations that it ignored reports of mistreatment of horses, chickens and other livestock prove accurate.
At least 27 animals were killed during production, PETA charges, while citing wranglers who worked on the film. The allegations included two horses that died while going over steep embankments.
The organization has called on the filmmakers and director Peter Jackson to use CGI in future films to prevent more injuries.
Jackson and the producers maintain that any reports of animal mistreatment were addressed swiftly and that appropriate action was taken.
