Best Practices In Dealing With Wild Animals On Set:
- Only qualified professional trainers or handlers should be allowed to work with animals on productions.
- The trainer or person supplying the animals shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary inoculations, permits, licenses and medical safeguards.
- Notice shall be included on the call sheet that animals are working, and a closed set should be maintained if at all possible, and notices should be posted on all areas where animals are working.
- An easily accessible area should be designated for loading and unloading of animals.
- The trainer has the responsibility to convey specific safety concerns related to the animals being used, to include; addressing affected personnel (including guardians of minors) regarding safety precautions, required distances from wild/exotic animals, no personal pets, no feeding/running, etc.
- A veterinarian should be on set if animals are subject to potentially dangerous or complicated actions, and consideration should be given to having tranquilizing equipment available.
- There should be two handlers for undomesticated animals such as a large cat or carnivore.
- When venomous reptiles are present, the proper antidote (anti-venom) should be readily available and communicated on the call sheet.
- The American Humane Association shall be notified prior to commencement of work on set with any animals and may be on set during filming. Script scenes shall be made available.
Venomous Animals
Special and additional precautions should be taken if venomous reptiles are being filmed.
Dangers
- Bites, scratch, claw.
- Introduce allergans.
- Bacteria spread, i.e. salmonella, special concern if pregnant, elderly, children.
- Proper temperature, humidity, lighting for reptile health.
- Incompatilbe reptiles on same set.
- Escape.
Preparations
- Notify nearby medical facility one day prior.
- Assure proper antidote (antivenom) is available.
- Essential personnel only within 50' of reptile AHA pre-notification.
- Snake handler must have Prohibited Species Permit.
- Proper personal protective equipment shall be used by affected cast and crew.
- A stand-by vehicle and driver for emergencies.
- Snake should be milked of venom on same day.
- Snake pincer on hand.
Preparations
- Always wash hands with warm, soapy water, if touching reptile, enclosure, food or faeces.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with or around reptiles.
- Wash any clothes in contact with reptiles or enviornment.
- If bitten, scratched or clawed - stay calm, as any venom spreads faster as heart pumps faster.
- Seek professional medical attention immediately - don't wait for symptoms to appear.
- Wash bite with soap and water. Don't ice or submerge in water. Don't apply a tourniquet.
- Symptoms: redness and swelling, nausea, diculty breathing, numb limbs, blurred vision, sweating.
Additional resources:
American Humane Association – Guidelines for Producers/Filmmakers
Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA)