No Animals Were Harmed
Animal actors are a cherished part of American culture, playing some of the most iconic, beloved characters of all time. Our No Animals Were Harmed® program, the only industry-sanctioned effort with oversight of animals in filmed production, has made the protection of animal actors its duty for over 80 years. Our certification is the trusted standard for the humane treatment of animals in film and television, recognized internationally by moviemakers, TV producers and the viewing public, who rightly expect and demand that No Animals Were Harmed® in the making of filmed entertainment.
It was not always like that, however.
In Hollywood’s early days, animals were expendable props. If the script called for it, they were put in jeopardy without a second thought. This was never more apparent than during the filming of the classic Western, Jesse James, in 1939, when a horse was deliberately ridden over a cliff to its death. The American public was rightly outraged and demanded action. American Humane answered that call.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2020, the world-renowned “No Animals Were Harmed®” program has protected millions of animal actors in thousands of motion pictures, commercials and television shows.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals. Our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and humans.
American Humane also has a long history of doing the most with the hard-earned charitable dollars with which we are entrusted. More than 91 cents of every dollar spent goes directly into our lifechanging, life-saving programs to help the most vulnerable among us.
About “No Animals Were Harmed®”
The “No Animals Were Harmed®” program works to protect some 100,000 animals on more than 1,000 productions annually by helping ensure the safety and humane treatment of animal actors with a team of Certified Animal Safety Representatives™. These teams, which include veterinarians and animal behavioral specialists, supervise television and film sets across the U.S. and around the world.
The “No Animals Were Harmed®” program is based on our comprehensive, 132-page Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media, wherein rigorous, species-specific protocols are defined, reviewed and regularly updated by a Scientific Advisory Committee of leading, independent animal scientists, animal behaviorists, veterinarians and animal ethicists. To help ensure that no animals are harmed, American Humane takes extraordinary steps to ensure the safety of animals, starting long before a film starts shooting with a rigorous script review, pre-production consultations, detailed inspection of the sets and environment where animals will be, and strict implementation of our Guidelines through on-set monitoring by our trained Certified Animal Safety Representatives.
For nearly 150 years, American Humane has been at the forefront of the humane movement and this experience in advancing animal welfare has helped shape and guide the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program.
This legacy is behind every production that receives our end-credit certification.
