The use of animals in film and television production raises welfare concerns about training methods, working conditions, and the effects of stress on animal performers.
Animals used in film and television production face welfare challenges that differ from those in other contexts: the combination of strange environments, loud equipment, multiple takes, and unfamiliar people creates a stressful working context even for well-trained animals. Training methods historically used in the film industry have included aversive techniques that cause pain or fear. The growing preference for CGI alternatives reflects both welfare concerns and improvements in technology, and has reduced but not eliminated the use of live animals in mainstream production.