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Use of Animals in Filming - A guide to basic procedure
Produced jointly by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
And the British Film and Television Producers Association Limited

INTRODUCTION
The majority of films involving animals, which are presented for public exhibition in the United Kingdom, are made with proper regard for their welfare. The scenes are properly planned and for the most part trained animals are used under the supervision of an experience animal handler.

However, from time to time it does appear that even major film companies are prepared to tolerate animal abuse, sometimes because it takes place on location where local attitudes to animals are different and supervision is lax and on other occasions when in the opinion of the produced/director the cinematic effect of a particular scene justifies the risk of causing unnecessary suffering to one or more animals.

The state of the art of animal care and handling and the advanced technology available to film producers today should mean that to kill, main or put an animal in jeopardy is senseless and unnecessary.

These guidelines have been produced following consultation between the RSPCA and the BFTPA. If adhered to they should avoid the possibility of animals being abused.

 

LEGISLATION

Applicable to the U.K.
The Protection of Animals Act 1911
Section 1 of the Act makes it an offence for any person to:-

    1. cruelly beat, kick, ill-treat, override, overdrive, overload, torture or terrify any animal;
    2. convey or carry any animal in such a manner or position as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering:
    3. cause, procure or assist at the fighting or baiting of any animal;
    4. wilfully administer any poisonous or injurious drug or substance to any animal.

The above is a summary of the main points of this long and complex Act.

 

The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
This act states that "no person shall exhibit to the public or supply to any person for public exhibition (whether by him or another person) any cinematograph film (whether produced in Great Britain or elsewhere) if in connection with the production of the film any scene required in the film was organised or directed in such a way as to involve the cruel infliction of pain or terror on any animal or the cruel goading of any animal to fury.

Applicable to Overseas
Legislation on the protection of animals varies greatly from country to country. Where location shoots are being planned, the RSPCA will be willing (where possible) to provide detailed information on any relevant legislation in the selected country.

 

CONSULTATION
Some use of animals may be so straightforward and transient (e.g. actor, actress seen walking a dog up a driveway of a house) that prior consultation with the RSPCA or a veterinary surgeon is judged by the producer to be unnecessary. Such judgements would be acceptable but if the proposed use of an animal or animals is very extensive or complex then the necessary information should be given to the Chief Veterinary Officer’s Department at the RSPCA’s headquarters, Causeway, Horsham, Sussex (Tel: Horsham (01403 264181) at an early stage in the planning of a film so that adequate consultation can take place. The Society may well advise that a suitably experienced RSPCA Inspector or local veterinary surgeon should be present during the filming of the planned scene in order to give on-the-spot advice and assistance. If this is agreed to be necessary then arrangements for such an attendance can be made by the Society.

It is important that members of the production team e.g. assistant directors, art directors, cameramen and set designers should be made aware of any advice that is given as a result of the consultative procedure.

 

GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH ANIMALS
It is essential to observe a few simple basic procedures and safety measures when working with animals in motion picture television production.

Many accidents involving humans as well as animals could be prevented if certain principles and practices are observed in pre-production planning and during actual shooting. Accordingly, the following procedures are recommended: -

  1. Use the best trained animals available for the purpose at hand. Professionally trained animals will be safer and more economical in the long run. It must be remembered that any adult non-domestic animal, especially male, is liable to be temperamental.
  2. Employ competent animal trainers and handlers, provide them, in advance, with a script or specific information detailing action, camera position etc. They too, can provide appropriate guidance, can help save time and money prior to and during actual shooting and prevent animal suffering.
  3. Make actors aware, at the time of engagement that they will be working with, or in close proximity to animals. The information given to the actor should include the script and a description of the action contemplated.
  4. Determine that all animals to be used have had the necessary veterinary safeguards, inoculations and grooming before they are brought on to a set and that animals are rested, fed and watered at suitable intervals during filming.
  5. Obtain animals from established sources, which regularly supply studios, provided there is reasonable assurance that those animals are in good condition and good health.
  6. Where conditions make it necessary, use trained personnel as "doubles" on screen for the handling of animals.
  7. Directors and scriptwriters should always be aware that the pictorial representations of cruelty to animals (even when simulated) can be both offensive and counter productive.

 

GOOD PRODUCTION PRACTICE

  1. Notify the RSPCA when animals are to be used on the set so that a qualified representative can be present to advise and assist production personnel, if necessary. (See section on CONSULTATION)
  2. Provide an adequate number of qualified animal trainers and handlers consistent with the number and type of animals concerned. The presence of an extra trainer or handler may well be providing added safety or efficiency.
  3. Rehearse animals thoroughly. Do not depart from rehearsal procedures. Consider what is reasonable effort by an animal.
  4. Actors should be given every opportunity to familiarise themselves with the animals in advance.
  5. When animals are working, maintain a CLOSED SET. Post "CLOSED SET" notices.
  6. Tranquillisers and sedatives should not be used on animals solely for the purpose of filming nor should animals be anaesthetised to produce an effect. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have advised its members not to co-operate in the sedation or anaesthetisation of an animal for film purposes, if to do so;
    1. will be cruel or frightening to the animal;
    2. may be potentially dangerous to the health and well-being of the animal; or
    3. is unnecessary in that the same effect may be achieved in other ways, e.g. by the training of an animal to act a part or by the use of an animal which is already dead.
  7. Provide an enclosure for the animals where no one can get to them except the handlers. Enforce this restriction as firmly as possible. The use of signs and barricades is suggested.
  8. Scheduling should be such that the animal is not exposed for long periods to hot lights. Also try to prevent loud or unexpected noises such as clap sticks, whistles etc., to which the animal is not trained. Try to schedule shooting for early in the day or soon after the animal is ready…………………A TIRED OR FRIGHTENED ANIMAL CAN BE A DANGEROUS ANIMAL.
  9. Recognise the fact that only a trainer or handler is qualified to work with animals. Trainers can read the signs which express the mood of the animal and their advice and guidance should be requested and observed.
  10. Exercise PATIENCE in working with animals.
  11. Permit ONLY necessary personnel to be present around the camera – particularly when wild animals are being used.
  12. Animals should be kept at a safe distance from flames or flying sparks.
  13. Injured or unwell animals should be barred from further action and veterinary advice obtained immediately.
  14. Shrubs and foliage that can be injurious should not be used. For example, cactus with real spines should not be used. Yew is poisonous.
  15. Quarter load ammunition and minimum explosive loads for firing on or near stock should be the rule.
  16. Animal fights can and should always be simulated. Animals, which are not accustomed to being with each other or who have not been trained to "fight" should be handled with extreme care and handlers, should be available to separate animals if necessary.
  17. ALL animal bites must be reported and the animal kept under observation.
  18. The name, address and telephone number of the nearest veterinary surgeon should be readily available in case of emergency.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO HORSES

  1. Provide an adequate number of pickup riders whenever stock is involved in stampedes, herding operations, cavalry raids and charges, runaways, wagon crashes, etc.
  2. "Driver-less" wagons require a "blind" driver. Special care is necessary in selecting terrain that is free from large rocks, holes, tree stumps, sharp turns and slopes and obscure ditches.
  3. Special care is needed when stock enters, traverses and exits from water. Animals should be rehearsed for water work and handlers may require boats.
  4. Where unusual action is called for, specially trained horses are required. For example, if a fence is to be jumped, use a trained jumper.
  5. If an unusual amount of run-bys and chases are necessary, extra stock should be provided.
  6. The use of horses for other than production purposes should not be permitted.
  7. To obtain horse falls by tripping and/or pitfalls is prohibited.
  8. When necessary for stock to cross smooth stage floors or pavement, mats or safety shoes must be used.
  9. In wagon crashes, equipment MUST be rigged so that horses can run free BEFORE the crash.
  10. Excessive use of reins and spurring should be avoided.
  11. Use a breakaway top rail when horses are called to jump fences.
  12. The use of rubber barbs on fence wire is required.
  13. Prop weapons should be used when there is hand to hand fighting on horseback or where animals are at all involved in action wherein swords, sabres, lances, rifles or arrows are employed.
  14. On distant locations, stock should be quartered and fed properly. At night, a watchman should be on hand. For horses, the use of corrals (portable, if permanent are not provided) rather than picket lines is recommended. Horses will be better rested and hence safer for use the next day.
  15. Front feet landing by a rearing horse is required.
  16. An adequate number of suitable horses should be available for hard pulling. Mechanical aids, as may be appropriate, should be used to assist in pulling vehicles on steep ascents and for braking on steep descents.


EXTRACT FROM BACC’s "NOTES OF GUIDANCE" REQUIRING THE ATTENDANCE OF A VET/RSPCA REPRESENTATIVE ON THE SET DURING FILMING WITH ANIMALS

Section 2.10.3
A film set can be a stressful environment even for experienced animals. BACC therefore requires the attendance of a qualified veterinary surgeon or representative of the RSPCA during production in the UK of any television commercial using animals. BACC may further require their written assurance that the animal concerned was neither harmed nor distressed. In the case of commercials made overseas, it is the responsibility of the advertiser or advertising agency to ensure that equivalent safeguards are in place and that written assurances are obtained. Failure to provide these may result in BACC’s rejection of the commercial.

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