Five people gathered outside AMC River East on Friday, donning horse masks and wielding signs in protest of "The Hobbit," the recent Hollywood blockbuster facing allegations of animal abuse and neglect after several animals died during its production.
The protestors were with PETA and led by Katie Arth, a PETA campaigner. She said the goal of the day's rally was to inspire people to contact the film's director, Peter Jackson, and ask him to stop using live animals for his films and "utilize the great CGI he is already known for."
Jackson, for his part, has vigorously denied the accusations against the set, which include the deaths of three horses and several farm animals such as chickens and goats, tallying to 27 deaths total. He issued a statement in November saying, ""The producers completely reject the accusations that twenty seven animals died due to mistreatment during the making of the films."
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The protestors were with PETA and led by Katie Arth, a PETA campaigner. She said the goal of the day's rally was to inspire people to contact the film's director, Peter Jackson, and ask him to stop using live animals for his films and "utilize the great CGI he is already known for."
Jackson, for his part, has vigorously denied the accusations against the set, which include the deaths of three horses and several farm animals such as chickens and goats, tallying to 27 deaths total. He issued a statement in November saying, ""The producers completely reject the accusations that twenty seven animals died due to mistreatment during the making of the films."
Want more? Discuss this article and others on RedEye's Facebook page.