GUIDELINES FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS IN TV
In collaboration with LAV- Anti-Vivisection League 
The necessity to discuss our relationship with animals is due to both ethical and legal reasons. In the last years people’s sensitivity towards animal’s conditions – whether domestic or wild - has been changing, as much as the legislation on the matter is becoming more and more precise in prosecuting mistreatments.
Concerning animals’ exposition and their use in the show business, considering the European Constitution that for the first time defines animals as “sentient beings” and the “Universal Declaration of Animal Rights”, proclaimed by UNESCO, since August 1st 2004 with the Law 189, in Italy a specific title of the Criminal Law for animal protection has been passed.
Concerning the controls, instead, seven years ago an animalist representative was nominated in the Commission of Cinematographic Revision, at the Headquarters of Live Shows. Such figure has strengthened the experience in cinema productions, developed in the United States as the ratification of a Protocol.
This document, issued by Lav – Guidelines for animal protection in TV – advanced at world level, (only some points have been adopted by the Canadian Cbsc and, at state level, in Britain and Australia), aims at a change in the TV panorama where, unluckily, there has been a massive use of animals without respecting and taking care of their dignity. Show business can respect animals.
Along with the norms for prosecuting these crimes, it is necessary to provide Guidelines in order to encourage the diffusion of TV programmes aimed at promoting respect towards animals, and also aimed at the educational development of the relationship child-animal. These recommendations are the beginning of it.
Gianluca Felicetti, Chairman of Lav
The five articles of the Guidelines
Article 1
The presence of animals in TV must be aimed at sensitivity, respect and knowledge of the species, excluding any inappropriate use of animals against their nature, or posing them under violence or stress or regardless of their dignity.
Article 2
It is desirable to encourage TV programmes aimed at promoting respect towards animals as sentient beings, and aimed at highlighting a correct educational development of the relationship child-animal, aimed at promoting the voluntary service for animal protection and the professions connected with animals, like veterinary doctors, biologists and naturalists.
Article 3
It is desirable to establish a Commission for animal protection at the Authority for the Guarantees in Communication that, along with the participation of experts proposed by animalist associations, veterinary doctors and ethologists, can evaluate the projects of animal presence in TV programmes and propose alternatives to decrease the risk of use, and regulations for the productions that, though respecting Article 1, should violate the principles.
Article 4
A gradual reduction of animals in circus shows is desirable, starting from the reduction from children programmes until the complete eradication from all the programmes. At the same time, all circus artists and performances without animals will be promoted and enhanced.
Article 5
In compliance with the “Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, proclaimed by UNESCO, and in compliance with the Charter of Treviso for Child Protection, the draft of a specific Charter for Animals is requested, based on these Guidelines and addressed to all communication operators.