Guidelines for the use of animals in productions.
South Africa is divided into nine Provinces - each with its own Nature Conservation Department. The owner of animals (other than domestic pets and livestock) moving from one province to another for filming purposes must have an import / re-export permit issued by the Provincial Authority in whose jurisdiction they are going to film and a similar export / re-import permit to enable them to return home after the shoot.In certain circumstances (depending on the destination and the animal involved) it may be necessary to have a permit from the State Veterinarian to move an animal.If the export / import crosses international borders then the animals will need Veterinary permits as well as CITES import/export permits (Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species). Enquiries for inter-Provincial and International CITES permits in KZN can be made to:
KZN - Wildlife (www.kznwildlife.com)
PO Box 662, Pietermaritzburg 3200
Tel: 27 33 845 1324
Fax: 27 33 845 1747
permits@kznwildlife.com
Animal Welfare
The two laws, which protect animal welfare and govern the use of animals in film in South Africa are:
ANIMALS PROTECTION ACT (NO. 71 OF 1962) - An Act to consolidate and amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
PERFORMING ANIMALS PROTECTION ACT NO 24 OF 1935 - An Act to regulate the exhibition and training of performing animals and the use of dogs for safeguarding.
The Performing Animals Protection Act (PAPA) states:
"No person shall exhibit or train or cause or permit to be exhibited has the lawful custody or use any dog for safeguarding unless such person is the holder of a licence".
It is a legal requirement that an animal trainer, with a valid license covering the envisaged animal action as well as the appropriate quantity & species, must be present whenever animals work on films anywhere in South Africa..
Both Acts can be downloaded at the AACL website www.satis.co.za