The 467 Rules You Have to Follow to Put an Animal in a Movie — Half as Interesting

Quick Overview

The American Humane Society ensures animal welfare in Hollywood films by enforcing strict guidelines and monitoring sets, a system developed after historical abuses like the 1939 'Jesse James' incident. While the 'No Animals Were Harmed' guarantee is largely upheld through careful handling, specialized housing, and CGI for dangerous stunts, past investigations reveal instances of alleged cover-ups regarding animal injuries and deaths.

Summary

Key Points: The American Humane Society (AHS) monitors over 70% of animal action in U.S. films, ensuring compliance with a 132-page guideline document. AHS's oversight began in 1940 as part of the Hays Code, following public outcry over animal cruelty in early Hollywood films like 'Jesse James'. On-set animal housing must be clean, safe, escape-proof, temperature-controlled, and well-ventilated. Dangerous animal actions are often achieved through CGI or fake animals, but real animal stunt performers are used with extensive safety protocols, including multiple animals for complex scenes like in 'War Horse'. Specific rules dictate animal work hours (e.g., apes cannot work past sundown, monkeys past 9 PM) and require retirement plans for certain species like apes. A 2013 investigation alleged that AHS has covered up animal injuries and deaths on sets by classifying them as 'not work-related,' indicating the system is not entirely flawless.

Context: Before the establishment of formal animal welfare guidelines, Hollywood film sets often saw rampant cruelty towards animals, driven by a lack of oversight and industry standards. A pivotal moment occurred with the 1939 film 'Jesse James,' where a horse was subjected to severe abuse, sparking public outrage and leading to the initial involvement of the American Humane Society. This historical context underscores the necessity and evolution of the stringent rules now in place to protect animal actors.

Detailed Analysis

The American Humane Society (AHS) plays a crucial role in safeguarding animal actors in Hollywood, a responsibility granted to them by the government in 1940 as part of the Hays Code, following severe animal cruelty incidents like the one during the filming of 'Jesse James' in 1939. AHS monitors over 70% of animal action in U.S. films, ensuring compliance with a comprehensive 132-page guideline document. These guidelines dictate everything from animal transportation and on-set housing requirements (clean, safe, temperature-controlled bins) to specific rules for different species, such as not using animals that are physically ill or in heat, and avoiding extreme surface temperatures. Dangerous actions are often performed using CGI or fake animals, but real animal stunt performers are also used with extensive safety precautions, often involving multiple animals for complex scenes, as seen in 'War Horse'. AHS employs Certified Animal Safety Representatives (CASRs) who are on set daily to advocate for the animals, ensuring they receive breaks, proper care, and humane conditions. While the system has significantly improved animal welfare compared to early Hollywood, a 2013 Hollywood Reporter investigation alleged that AHS has sometimes covered up animal injuries and deaths on major productions by classifying them as 'not work-related,' indicating that the 'No Animals Were Harmed' promise, while largely effective, remains imperfect.