American Humane Assures Television Viewers That 'No Animals Were Harmed' in a Realistically Intense Depiction of Dogfighting on 'CSI' Thursday Night

American Humane Assures Television Viewers That 'No Animals Were Harmed' in a Realistically Intense Depiction of Dogfighting on 'CSI' Thursday Night

DENVER, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, Dec. 13, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation viewers will witness what may be the most accurate and graphic portrayal of dogfighting in television history, yet the scenes were created merely through "acting" and special effects. The American Humane Association, the organization that monitored the filming of the production -- and the authority behind the famous "No Animals Were Harmed" end-credit disclaimer -- applauds CBS and the CSI producers for their complete cooperation to ensure that no animals were put at risk in filming the groundbreaking episode.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070521/LAM095LOGO )

American Humane's Certified Animal Safety Representatives were present during all scenes in which animals were present. Fifteen dogs, including pit bulls and a poodle, were used to depict scenes of dogfighting, euthanasia, dog baiting and death. Certified Animal Safety Representative Gina Johnson was on the set of CSI during safety planning sessions and filming. "In terms of perception of harm to animals, this CSI episode was the most intensely graphic content I have monitored in my seven years as an American Humane Safety Rep," she said.

This episode takes the CSI team into the underground world of dogfighting as they try to determine who murdered a wealthy socialite, while Warrick Brown tries to clear his name in the murder of an exotic dancer. Because of the violent and graphic nature of the episode, American Humane wants to reassure viewers that, like action-packed movies, many actions are inferred or achieved through special effects and editing, and not actually performed while filming. CSI producers were extremely cooperative in ensuring that all of the animals were properly prepared and trained for each scene and cared for on the set.

"The ability to portray such realistic dogfighting action without harming the animals or placing them at risk during filming is a perfect example of how American Humane works closely with productions to ensure the safety of all animals on set," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. "We are hopeful that the level of cooperation and concern for animal safety shown by CBS and CSI will encourage all productions to place a likewise high priority on animal welfare."

American Humane commends CSI and CBS for creating a platform for the public to have a deeper understanding about the gruesome world of dogfighting and a better understanding of the severe nature of this inhumane practice. The program will conclude with a public service announcement about dogfighting and will be displaying American Humane's "No Animals Were Harmed" end-credit disclaimer.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. For more about American Humane's Film & TV Unit, go to http://www.americanhumane.org/film.

About American Humane

The American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (http://www.give.org/), has been awarded the Independent Charities of America "Best in America" Seal of Approval (http://www.independentcharities.org/info.asp?Title=The+ICA+Seal+of+Excellence &sBody=BIA) and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm), America's leading charity evaluator. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/ to learn more.

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Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070521/LAM095LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: American Humane Association

CONTACT: Kelley Weir of the American Humane Association Denver Office,
+1-303-925-9418, kelleyw@americanhumane.org; Jone Bouman of the American
Humane Association LA Office, +1-818-501-0123, joneb@americanhumane.org

Web Site:

http://www.americanhumane.org/

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