Excerpt from the Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media.
Animal Substitutes, Dead Animals, Animal Parts
1-17 American Humane Society encourages the use of animal substitutes for live animals when scenes call for the depiction of dangerous action. Fake animals, dead animals (or animal parts), animatronics, CGI or other techniques used to simulate live animals shall be documented with photographs and receipts. This applies whether the simulations are provided or acquired through a service (e.g., CGI), a prop rental or purchased as a food product. When appropriate, documentation to American Humane Society should include the name of the technician and the vendor company supplying the product or service, and/or any additional pertinent information.
1-18 If dead animals or animal parts are purchased from or provided by a taxidermist, an animal shelter, a slaughterhouse, a food supplier or another source, American Humane Society must be provided with documentation that demonstrates that the animals were destroyed in the normal course of the source’s operations and were not killed for the production.
1-19* When finished filming dead animals or animal parts, production shall immediately dispose of them sanitarily by cremation or appropriate burial. Most states have laws regarding the disposition of dead animals. Production must check with the appropriate agency in the filming area for proper procedures.
1-20 When handling dead animals or animal parts, care shall be taken to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Personnel shall wash their hands with soap and warm water or an antibacterial agent after handling the dead animals or animal parts.
* Notes a federal, state or local animal welfare statue, code or permit consideration.
