Film Livestock Australia's Code of Ethics

- Only fit and healthy animals.
- Only use positive reward based training methods.
- Conduct behaviour tests on all animals for their suitability for a set environment and for the script requirements.
- Do not use equipment that has the potential to cause distress or injury to the animals.

FLA does not condone nor practice the drugging/sedation of animals at any time unless it is in the interest of the animal’s health and is administered on medical advice from a veterinary surgeon. FLA strongly believes that proper training techniques and good preparation of animals negates any need for medicines that alter animal behaviour.

Pre-Production

All animals regardless of species are provided with:

- Adequate and the most suitable form of nutrition.
- 24 hour access to clean drinking water.
- Clean and appropriate accommodation
- Exercise throughout the day as required for that particular species
- Sufficient rest
- Prompt first aid (Sarah Rawson-Harris, a Director of FLA, is a fully qualified vet nurse)
- Veterinary attention if required
- Regular treatments for the prevention of parasites and diseases.

All trainers & handlers:

- Have an understanding of animal behaviour.
- Are experience in dealing with animals in a production environment

On Set

While on set the health and welfare of the animals is entirely the responsibility of Film Livestock Australia. FLA does not hold any third party responsible for any of the animals during pre-production or while on set and all welfare decisions relating to FLA’s animals are made by FLA’s trainers regardless of script requirements. Whether a stunt or trick is performed is entirely at the discretion of Film Livestock Australia and no animal’s welfare is ever compromised for the purpose of filming.

All filming locations are inspected by FLA trainers and the production’s safety advisor prior to filming in order to identify any hazards or welfare issues. All animals are inspected prior to and at the conclusion of filming to ensure they are fit, healthy and not stressed. FLA ensures all correct permits, licences and insurances are held for work undertaken.

Film Livestock Australia:

- Provide appropriate transport and temporary housing for all animals whilst on set.
- Always have sufficient trainers/handlers for the number of animals on set on any particular day.
- Always have one or more trainers/handlers present when animals are on set.
- Ensure unnecessary people or animals are removed from film sets.
- Ensure all people working with animals on set are briefed regarding the correct handling and treatment of the particular animals and the safety issues relating to those animals.
- Never cages animals for extended periods of time while on set.
- Ensures the removal of all animals from set or provide sufficient protection when special effects likely to cause fright are to be used.
- Ensures any conditions likely to cause stress to animals (ie glare, heat, noises etc) are avoided.
- Ensure any potentially dangerous or aggressive animals are effectively controlled.
- Ensure special arrangements are made for the care young animals.

Film Livestock Australia takes full responsibility for the health and welfare of their animals at all times and does not hold any other party in anyway responsible for their animal’s welfare at any time.

Cody & Sarah Rawson Harris
Directors of Film Livestock Australia
filmlivestock@filmlivestock.com.au