Statement By American Humane Association Regarding Film and Television Unit/CBS Evening News

American Humane Association
Tuesday, 13 March 2001

Every year the American Humane Association (AHA) monitors the humane care and treatment of thousands of animal actors. These animal actors appear in hundreds of films, television shows, and commercials under AHA's jurisdiction. As a result of AHA's 60 years of advocacy on behalf of animal actors, today's commendable safety record contrasts sharply from the days when wire-tripping horses and other cruelties were frequently found in filming. Because of AHA's efforts, working conditions for animals in film has improved dramatically over the years.

Unfortunately, the thousands of films AHA covers and the significant improvement in the care of animals in film was not reflected in the recent CBS Evening News report on AHA's Film and Television Unit (March 13, 2001). American Humane Association has been and remains confident that the Los Angeles operation and its leadership are fulfilling our mission to protect animals. Any allegations that this mission was compromised are neither valid nor justified.

AHA's job is to ensure that no deliberate cruelty to animals occurs while filming and that proper safety precautions are in place. To achieve these goals and to see that the highest degree of safety and humane treatment is available, AHA requires film and television productions follow its "Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media." These guidelines are stricter than any federal or state regulations protecting animals. When an international production falls outside of AHA's jurisdiction - which is becoming more common recently due to an increase in runaway production -- a network of local humane organizations monitor many of the productions filming in their regions by utilizing AHA's guidelines.

As a humane organization, it pains us greatly whenever an animal is injured - whether that be on a film set or elsewhere. When accidents do occur, whether or not the film is within AHA's jurisdiction -- such as films being shot overseas -- AHA conducts the most thorough investigation possible. American Humane Association publishes information about the work of its Film and TV Unit on its website (www.AHAFilm.org), in AHA's publications, and in a variety of print and electronic media.

AHA's work to protect animals on entertainment productions is partially funded through a grant from the film industry. This does not compromise AHA's ability to protect animals. AHA provides a safety program to animals just as police and fire officials provide a safety program for humans. The film industry supports all of these programs without impairing the judgment of the safety officers.

In regards to the allegations about mistreatment of animals on the sets of "13th Warrior" and "Running Free," both of these productions were filmed out of the United States. The animal action in these productions was monitored and approved by a local humane agency, not the American Humane Association. AHA based its review of these films on reports from the local humane agencies that monitored and approved the animal action. In the case of "13th Warrior," AHA did not issue an end credit disclaimer that "no animals were harmed."

In the case of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," AHA went to great lengths to have the horses in question examined by top veterinarians. The result of our investigation was based on these examinations and the veterinarians' assessment that the horses were fit for work. AHA finds it inconsistent that the producer of "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" would make allegations implying AHA was not doing its job. Over the years animals were monitored on this program, AHA found the production to be highly resistant to recommendations of changes to improve the well being of the animals on the set. While proper safety standards were eventually met, it only came after a long struggle.

It is unfortunate that the CBS Evening News story failed to mention one of the more highly visible examples of how animal mistreatment can occur when an entertainment production is made outside of the U.S. and outside of AHA's jurisdiction: "Survivor II." The recent killing of a pig on this "reality" program, produced by CBS, only highlights the dangers animals can face on entertainment productions when the proper safety oversight is not in place. AHA's mission compels us to continue working with the entertainment industry to help find ways to protect animals on such productions. Letters sent to the president of CBS, Les Moonves, and to the show's producer, Mark Burnett, by American Humane Association have been met with no response.

Regrettably, there are those who feel animals should not be used at all in films and television. However, Hollywood has a rich history of animal stories. Positive and important messages about animals in our society have reached millions of Americans through the adventures of such animal actors as Rin-Tin-Tin, Lassie, and Babe the pig. American Humane Association is proud of its work with the film industry making sure these animal actors can tell their stories in a safe and humane environment.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org