When is the No Animals Harmed in Film Disclaimer Included in a Film?

Whenever animals are involved in the production of a film, certain disclaimers may be used to prevent from having animal rights activists breathing down the backs of those who created the film. You might have seen the familiar, “no animals were harmed during the filming of this production,” disclaimer at the end of a film, but are you familiar with what it means? If you’re filming with animals, when is the no animals harmed in film disclaimer included in the credits?

And even more importantly, what is the process for such an inclusion?

American Humane Association

The American Humane Association, as part of the Humane Hollywood Initiative, provides the end-credit certification to film productions in which rigorous standards of care are met for animal actors.

Part of the end-credit certification which is provided by the American Humane Association represents the enforcement of specific guidelines for animal use and safety during production.

In addition to monitoring safety standards on set, the guidelines call for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. 

Film Productions

Approximately 70% of the known cases of animal actors in film and television production are monitored by the American Humane Association.

This equates to approximately 2,000 film productions each year. Which ultimately receive end-credit certification allowing placement of the No Animals Harmed in film disclaimer.

Provided proper initiatives were taken to ensure animal welfare during the production.

When is the “No Animals Harmed in Film” Disclaimer Included?

In the United States, any and all film productions that include animal actors must register with American Humane. To ensure that animals are properly cared for. And that their welfare is advocated for during the course of production.

However, registering your production with American Humane alone does not provide you with the opportunity to include the “No Animals Harmed in Film” disclaimer in the end-credits.

Film productions which also wish to include the disclaimer in the end-credits must also engage the American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative.

Which will work with the production crew in advance of the film production. As well as throughout production, to monitor all animal acting. And to analyze the use of animals throughout the production. To ensure safety standards are met at every step of the filmmaking process. 

Why is the “No Animals Harmed in Film” Disclaimer so Important?

If you’re new to film, you might be wondering what’s so important about this disclaimer. Or why you must register your production with American Humane just because you intend to use animal actors?

The reality is, the film industry hasn’t always done what’s right for animal actors. Often overlooking animal welfare entirely and frequently engaging animals in productions. As if they were expendable.

Some of the earliest instances of poor treatment of animals in film date back as far as 1939. In the filming of Jesse James, a classic Western production. With which a horse was deliberately ridden right over a cliff where it plummeted to its death.

The outrage by animal lovers and activists actually sparked the beginning ideas for the “No Animals Were Harmed” program. Which was initiated by American Humane more than 80 years ago.

Public Opinion

Including the “no animals harmed in film” disclaimer in your production. It is not only an important step towards the safety and security of animal actors.

That are used during the course of production. But also a step toward ensuring that animal rights activists spare your production when it comes to the elaborate uproar.

Which may otherwise spark an outcry in regards to how animals were treated in your production. Including the disclaimer.

Especially as it is provided as an end-credit to your production, shows animal rights activists that you’ve taken action, demanded responsible treatment of animal actors on your set, and ensured no animals are maliciously harmed during the course of production.

Protections Included in Disclaimer Credit

The No Animals Harmed in Film Disclaimer provides several protections to animal actors that are involved in film productions. In order for a film to be credited with this disclaimer.

The production must register with American Humane. As well as enlist the monitoring of a specialist that brings with them veterinarians and other support staff to the set to assist in the oversight and continued protection of the animals.

The script is carefully reviewed prior to the production. And then steps are taken early on to ensure that any intended use of animals in the production will be carefully planned out.

If there are inherent risks to the animals, steps are taken by American Humane. To create a safer plan and to reduce hazards that could impart risk to the health, safety or welfare of the animal actors.

Disclaimer Fees

Films that intend to be credited with the “no animals were harmed in the making of this film” disclaimer must pay a fee for the credit. As well as pay for the cost of the various protections that are included during the production of the film.

Ensuring that animals are safe and healthy throughout the duration. Many filmmaking professionals, especially those who produce Hollywood movies and for television, will employ the assistance of American Humane for the protection of their animal actors.

And to ensure that there are no inherent upsets from animal rights activists.

Handlers and Caretakers

Productions must use animal handlers that have special knowledge of the species that are included in the film. They must also have veterinary care available at all times.

Additionally, animals may not be subject to being filmed on sets where alcohol is involved. Caretakers, as well as film production staff and crew, must all be working with the animals without the use of alcohol around any of the livestock.

Non-Actor Animals

Furthermore, animals that are not acting are afforded protections too. Non-actor animals including those that are unscripted or that appear in the background of a film must also be properly cared for.

In order for the No Animals Harmed in Film Disclaimer to be afforded in the end of the production. This includes making sure that animals which are brought as pets of cast or crew also have adequate water, food and comforts during the production.

As you can see, not just any production gets the No Animals Harmed in Film Disclaimer, but those that do have passed a rigorous safety protocol set forth by the American Humane Association.