Filming Animals for Documentaries: Laws Every Filmmaker Must Know 

The laws surrounding the use of animals in film media certainly vary from one state to the next, and they can even be different from city to city. Every filmmaker must be prepared for the important steps involved in proper protection of our furry friends (or other animals) when filming animals for documentaries and otherwise. 

State and Federal Protections for Animals

There are not currently any state or federal laws that directly protect animals. But there are sanctions that can be imposed for animal cruelty. Whether or not it takes place on a film set.

Additionally, there are laws specific to personal exhibition. This and more under all of these different potential regulations.

The overall goals in protecting animals at a federal or state-by-state level include:

• Identifying animals that require specific humane protections and additional standards.
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• Providing protection for dogs, cats, primates, and other warm blooded animals.
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• Protecting extinct or threatened animal actors including endangered species.
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• Making it unlawful to take an endangered animal anywhere in the U.S.

Conduct

Under the law set forth in protecting and filming animals for documentaries. Taking any species means pursuing, hunting, shooting, killing, trapping, harassing, or otherwise engaging in similar conduct with the animal. 

Naturally Filming Animals for Documentaries

If you’re considering filming animals for documentaries, it’s going to be important that you not push any limits. Ones in which you could face charges for animal cruelty and that you captured the intended footage.

Naturally filming an animal requires an understanding of their habitat. As well as the atmosphere the animal is to be filmed in. 

Specific Style

A documentary film that includes nature or animals represents a part of a specific style of filmmaking. Where unique steps may be taken to capture animals in their own habitats and natural environment.

Many different filming tricks are employed to successfully engage in filming animals. Laws, however, are slim.

Animal Abuse in Film Media

While legal protections are limited as it pertains to the representation of animals, the Motion Picture Association of America has addressed the potential issue of animal abuse in films by incorporating its own rules and regulations.

In fact, if you’re filming animals for documentaries, the laws which could come up include specific details.

Relative to knowingly creating films that show animal cruelty, providing veterinary care, and ensuring safe use of costumes, makeup, props, or other items and making sure that any special effects or stunts are safe for any animals involved.