[Bill Douglas]

It was found to a a "Not True".

A company that contracted animals for the film (films) was investigated, and yes we have lots of animal protection laws here, and it was found to be not true.

Anyone as high profile as Peter Jackson has a number of haters. He has won most of his battles including a big one with the Autralian actors union who tried to take over here. This was just one more attempt to discredit him and the excellent work he does.