‘The Hobbit’ Movie Set Tragedy Revealed as 27 Animals Died, Tiny Pony Among Victims

Tragedy struck behind the scenes of The Hobbit trilogy, as reports reveal that around 27 animals died while being kept at a New Zealand farm used for the films. According to the Associated Press and the Mirror, several people who worked with the animals spoke out about unsafe conditions that they described as a nightmare.

Horse trainer Chris Langridge called the farm a “death trap,” saying it was full of broken fences, hidden sinkholes, and steep cliffs. He explained that horses need flat ground to run safely, but the rough terrain made accidents almost inevitable.

The first animal to die was a small pony named Rainbow. Langridge said he found the pony alive one morning, but its back was broken after it fell off a steep bank, and it had to be put down. Soon after, another horse named Doofus severely cut its leg in a fence, prompting Langridge to quit his job.

Another handler, Johnny Smythe, recalled seeing a horse named Claire dead in a stream after falling from a bluff, and another horse, Zeppelin, dying in the stables. Smythe believed Zeppelin became sick from the new feed it was given, though official records list the death as natural causes.

He also said he had to bury six goats and six sheep, which died from falls, worms, or stomach problems. Around a dozen chickens were reportedly killed by unattended dogs. Smythe later lost his job in 2011 after clashing with his boss over animal care.

Peter Jackson’s spokesperson, Matt Dravitzki, addressed the reports, acknowledging the deaths and stating that two horse deaths could have been prevented. He said that after noticing problems, the production spent hundreds of thousands of dollars improving stables and fences.

Dravitzki added that Jackson personally adopted three pigs from the films to ensure they had safe homes. The American Humane Association, which monitors animal safety on sets, confirmed that no animals were harmed during filming but noted that their oversight does not extend to the farms where animals live between shoots.

This story raises tough questions about the responsibility of film productions to care for animals even when cameras aren’t rolling. The deaths show that dangers off-set can be just as serious as those during filming.

It’s clear that movie productions must take full responsibility for the well-being of animals at all times, not just when the cameras are on. Proper supervision, safe housing, and terrain checks should be mandatory. It’s heartbreaking to hear about so many deaths that could have been prevented.

What do you think? Should productions be held accountable for animal safety even off-set? Share your thoughts in the comments.