American Humane Association Issues Update of Guidelines Used to Protect Animals in Film and Television Productions

American Humane Association Issues Update of Guidelines Used to Protect Animals in Film and Television Productions

DENVER, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association has released the 2009 update of its "Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media," which are the basis for ensuring the safety and well-being of animals used in television and film productions.

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American Humane regularly updates the "Guidelines" based on new animal science, behavioral studies, animal welfare laws and the organization's own on-set experience with new film-industry technology. The 2009 update contains new information on topics such as Reality Programming, Camera Car Safety and Rodeo Simulation, as well as additions and revisions to existing chapters.

"The technology in movie making is ever evolving so we've reacted in kind to make sure that animals continue to be protected no matter what productions use in filming," said Karen Rosa, American Humane's vice president in charge of the organization's Film and TV Unit. "Next to protecting animals, our next priority is to keep on top of industry innovations so that we can continuously update our guidelines to keep animals safe."

The latest edition follows ongoing intensive evaluation, revision, updating and, in some areas, expansion of guidelines by American Humane's advisory panel of recognized authorities, which includes veterinarians, national animal welfare leaders, film industry professionals, primatologists and other species experts.

American Humane's Certified Animal Safety Representatives(TM) oversee the use of animals in filmed productions, following the "Guidelines" to ensure the animals' safety. The "Guidelines" also are distributed to animal trainers, production personnel and studios, and they are available online at http://www.americanhumane.org/film.

American Humane began monitoring the use of animals in films in 1940 after a horse lost his life during the filming of "Jesse James." It is also the only animal welfare organization in the world with on-set jurisdiction from the Screen Actors Guild to supervise the use of animals, and it is the only organization with the authority to issue its famous "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. 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 organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's 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, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane(R) Certified farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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Source: American Humane Association

CONTACT: Kelley Weir of American Humane Association, +1-303-925-9418,
kelleyw@americanhumane.org

Web Site: http://www.americanhumane.org/

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