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Hobbit Farm: 27 Animals Died in 'Death Trap'
2 Feb
Summary
- Farm conditions on The Hobbit set included dangerous precipices and sinkholes.
- Animal handlers reported 27 animal fatalities due to hazardous farm conditions.
- Production company acknowledged some deaths were avoidable and upgraded facilities.
A farm in New Zealand, utilized for livestock in 'The Hobbit' film trilogy, has been described as a 'death trap' following the reported deaths of 27 animals. Animal handlers alleged that dangerous farm conditions, such as precipices and sinkholes, led to these fatalities ahead of the film's 2012 release.
Chris Langridge, a horse trainer, expressed alarm upon his arrival in November 2010, noting the farm's hazards and attempting to mitigate risks. He recounted the death of Rainbow, a miniature horse with a broken back, and another horse, Doofus, injured by fencing. After Langridge's departure, further incidents occurred, including the death of Claire and Zeppelin.
Wrangler Johnny Smythe detailed the deaths of six goats and six sheep in sinkholes, alongside fatalities from worms and feed changes. He also reported chickens being mauled by dogs. Smythe was dismissed in October 2011 after disputes over animal treatment.
The American Humane Association acknowledged supervisory system weaknesses, though they stated no animals were harmed during actual filming. A representative for Peter Jackson confirmed fatalities occurred at the farm near Wellington, attributing some to natural causes but admitting two horse deaths were avoidable. Following these, the production company invested heavily in upgrading facilities.
