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all except to book a ‘nominated person’ through DAFF and a licensed trainer. “All producers have to do is hire a licensed trainer, check their license is valid for the species used, and to ensure a nominated officer or person is present for filming – we will know soon who those people will be, whether AACL, AIM, ECO’s or an actual State Vet,” he explains. “In the past, some producers have relied upon the art department to supply animals as this was cheapest method, however this is now prosecutable. To date, the State Vets Department has been very open to hearing how best to manage this change. If you need animals, call a known supplier, ask for their license, check they
TIPS FROM THE CPA The Commercial Producers Association gives ten useful tips for shooting with animals. 1. Do your research beforehand. Many of the larger trained animals, like apes and elephants, are no longer available in South Africa. 2. Check the ASA Code. Ensure the animal action required is in line with the ASA Code (Advertising Standards Authority), and remember that every animal is protected under PAPA. 3. Get experienced insight. Use a professional production company that’s familiar with the legal requirements. 4. Only use licensed professionals. Use the services of a properly licensed and reputable animal handler. Licences are renewed annually and must be valid on the day of the shoot. 5. Confirm that the handler matches the animal. Check that the animal handler is licensed to
can provide the species required and contact the State Vet.” For an animal handler, however, things are different. “Being on set with an animal means you are being exposed to the most critical assessment publically. Crew will not tolerate abuse, and often we are even in public spaces. The fact is I own and raised most of my animals and would sooner abuse a director than one of my animals as they need to work again for me, and not me for some director.” In addition to the scrutiny, he says that he can work and move easily around the Western Cape as he has his own specialised transportation trailers, carry mobile pens, and animals are always accompanied by a licensed
work with the animal you need. This will be noted on their documentation. 6. Check that the animal is responsibly sourced. Ideally, it will be provided by the animal handler. 7. Find an animal welfare officer. Ensure an animal welfare inspector who is recognised and approved by DAFF is available to oversee your shoot. 8. Keep communication open. Provide the handler and inspector with all relevant information well in advance, and communicate with them constantly. This will prevent problems arising on the day. 9. File all relevant documentation. Keep a copy of the animal handler’s and inspector’s authorisations and other relevant documentation on file. 10. Keep all reports secure. Ensure you get your welfare report from the inspector and keep it on file in case of queries or complaints. It is not possible to obtain one later.
handler who knows their specific needs. When it comes to other provinces, however, he then has to apply for inter-provincial permits required from the various conservation authorities. “It would be great if producers actually realised the effort, time, money, and passion involved in having animals on call for the Industry,” Luke says, “Our animals don’t just magically behave the day they are needed – it’s a 365-days-a-year job.”
THE FUTURE OF PAPA
PAPA was first brought to the attention of the public in 2015, and the amendment was informed by the Constitutional Court judgement of 11 July 2013,
wherein the court declared two sections of the Performing Animals Protection Act of 1935 unconstitutional in that they assign the function of issuing licences for training, exhibition or use of animals to magistrates. This is the main change in the Amendment, although its passing into law was sudden considering the industry had been waiting for an outcome for over two years. Governing bodies and industry stakeholders alike have been running workshops and creating dialogue around the subject to ensure the implementation of the law, although sudden, is as smooth and convenient as possible for the film and entertainment industries.
A wild photoshoot at Cornellskop Animal Encounters in the Western Cape
Luke Cornell shares a moment with his pride and joy © Chris de Bruyn