Animal Welfare Groups Slam ‘The Rings of Power’ After Tragic Death of Horse
Animal welfare groups are up in arms after the recent tragic death of a horse in rehearsal for The Rings of Power.
The incident has sparked outrage among animal rights activists calling for stricter regulations to protect the welfare of horses and other animals used in such events.
Reports said there were over 30 animals present on The Lord of the Rings-inspired show on the day the animal died.
Amazon Studios spokesperson issued a statement on Sunday (26th March) stating that the horse had died of a cardiac arrest.
The statement expressed condolences and confirmed that the incident occurred in the morning while the horse exercised before rehearsals.
Filming had not started yet, and the trainer was not wearing a costume. A veterinarian and an American Humane Association representative were present when the incident occurred.
This is why all productions need to stop using horses 💔
A horse suffered cardiac arrest & DIED on the set of @LOTRonPrime. Help us prevent more deaths like this — go to their page & leave a comment urging the producers to STOP using live horses & to pledge to only use CGI &… pic.twitter.com/DuQaLg1Ags
— PETA (@peta) March 27, 2023
An independent autopsy has verified that the horse’s death was due to cardiac failure.
About the Horse’s Death and Peta’s Reaction
A source, speaking to Deadline, disclosed that the horse was among 20 other horses standing when its heart stopped.
Following the collapse, the cast and crew were requested to leave the area for 30 to 45 minutes while removing the horse’s body.
Animal welfare groups have been quick to condemn The Rings of Power organizers for failing to ensure the safety of the horses on set.
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They claim that the organizers are more concerned with profit and prestige than the welfare of the animals.
They argue that the strenuous rehearsal routines are particularly grueling for horses and that the organizers should take extra precautions to ensure their safety.
PETA slams "The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power" producers as "living underground with the orcs" after a horse dies of a heart attack on set. https://t.co/VrsTJvgICR
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) March 26, 2023
Peta’s senior vice-president, Lisa Lange, expressed Peta’s opposition to using live animals instead of computer-generated imagery (CGI) or other visual effects in the set of the show “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
Lange stated that the show’s creators could use more humane methods, such as CGI or mechanical rigs, instead of subjecting animals to underground living conditions with the orcs.
Peta is urging the show’s producers and all other producers to refrain from using live horses in their productions.
If they cannot avoid animal exploitation in their art, they should consider exploring alternative mediums because no one likes watching a TV spinoff around animal torment.
Amazon’s Defense
However, The Rings of Power organizers have defended their safety measures, claiming they adhere to strict animal welfare guidelines set by the International Equestrian Federation.
They argue that experienced professionals taking the horses’ safety seriously run the show. Despite the organizers’ claims, animal welfare groups are calling for stricter regulations to protect the welfare of horses in equestrian events.
Moreover, they argue that horses should not be used for entertainment and should be treated with respect and care like any other animal.
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They are urging The Rings of Power organizers to implement measures such as mandatory rest periods for horses, regular health checks, and stricter penalties for those who violate animal welfare guidelines.
They also emphasized that while these TV shows may be exciting and entertaining for humans, they can be dangerous and even deadly for the animals involved.
Organizers must take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses and other animals participating in these events.
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