Blanket Ban On Use of Animals in Films
Posted on June 2, 2008 in Current Affairs by Danteshwari
A blanket ban has been imposed by the Animal Board of India (AWBI) on the usage of animals like tigers, lions, monkeys and panthers in films. Twenty-six do’s and don’ts have been prescribed to film associations by AWBI.
Along with the ban of these four animals, filmmakers need to be careful while using other animals. For instance, no animal can be made use of for a shoot shot on tarred roads. The animals cannot be brought close to barbed wire or be used for scenes that feature explosives. Also, animals cannot be forced to travel over a period eight hours at a time.
Filmmakers have objected to certain restrictions. For example, they are not in favor of a ban on taking shots in farmyards that keep animals. For example, they may favor the ban on showing running horses falling, but would like to support the ban on the use of pigeons and dogs.
Recently issued circular has also stated that the certificate of registration will not be issued to those films, which do not hold an AWBI pre-shoot permission. Many filmmakers are of the view that to get clearances from the AWBI was a tedious process. They felt that these rules prevented them from using animals, and also prevented public from exposure to wildlife. One relief they have is a waiver of health and ownership certificate for birds and animals, which appear in the background.
The Indian Motion Picture Association has fighting a legal battle with the AWBI in the Supreme Court.
Source : TOI, June 2nd, 2008
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