Animal welfare in entertainment production is regulated by the American Humane Association (AHA) in the USA and by RSPCA and production agreements in the UK. Standards have improved but gaps remain.
Entertainment industry animal welfare has improved significantly from the era when horses were intentionally tripped for dramatic falls and animals were placed in dangerous situations for authenticity. Current production welfare depends on the strength of monitoring, the independence of welfare assessors, and the willingness of productions to modify scripts or use alternatives when welfare is compromised. Digital effects have transformed what is required of performing animals - many scenes that once required animal presence can now be created without risk to welfare. The welfare risk has shifted toward the training process and the welfare of animals held between productions.