Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in the Film and Television Industries

  Animals have played a major part in some of the most famous television series and films of all time. Animals have played a major part in some of the most famous television series and films of all time. Who can forget Lassie, Black Beauty, Babe, Free Willy or even those cute 101 dalmations. Working with animals on screen can be a fun and rewarding experience, however there are many guidelines you need to take follow in order to ensure that the animals are safe and comfortable at all times.

In America, films are certified by stating that ‘no animals were harmed’ during the filming process. This official certification is given by the American Humane Association. They provide trained professionals who are able to visit a film on location, and make sure that all the animal actors are being treated humanely and fairly. The association also provides a number of guidelines for the use of animals in filmed media.

The American Humane Association break the film production process down into four categories: pre-production, on the set, post-production and marketing. Pre-production includes evaluating and mitigating the risk factors concerning the use of animals. They will also be able to provide access to some of the most talented and humane animal experts in the area. Once on set, they make sure the animals are looked after correctly, and that crew and cast are also kept safe. In the post-production and marketing categories, they can respond to calls for information about the use of animals in the film. They will also allow the trademark ‘no animals were harmed’ phrase to be use in the film’s disclaimer, which is reassuring to viewers.

The extensive guidelines provide extremely detailed information on what exactly is and isn’t allowed to happen on set, regarding the use of animals. It has different sections for the use of dogs, cats, birds, fish, insects, horses, exotic and captive wildlife, primates, reptiles, amphibians and wildlife.

When a film is using special effects, the production company must always check with the American Humane Association that these effects are safe to use with animals. Some special effects, such as pyrotechnics, fake snow, smoke, photographic dust and steam may scare or harm animals.

There are very strict rules and regulations regarding stunts. The stunt itself must first be reviewed by the association to ensure that it is not too dangerous or risky. Once the stunt is given the go ahead, the production company must try and limit the amount of times it is rehearsed, as to not tire out the animal. The animal should always be provided with adequate food, water, rest periods and shade. A qualified veterinarian must always be present when the stunts are being filmed.

The entire guidelines are over 125 pages long. They can be downloaded free of charge from the American Humane Association’s website. If you are thinking of using a company that provides animals for use in television and film, then always make sure they have a great reputation, and that they put the safety of the animals first.