Animal Protection in Filming in the Context of Spain

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The history of cinema could not be understood without the participation of animals. Since the birth of filmmaking (the seventh art), these main protagonists have made it possible to faithfully recreate reality, not only forming part of the film set, but also playing roles that have had a great influence and impact on society at different times. However, unlike what has happened in other sectors, in which the development of animal protection regulations and welfare assessment systems have experienced tremendous growth since the mid-20th century, the mention of this type of activity is nearly residual in the legislation currently in force. Taking into account the fact that this industry has a significant economic impact, that there is a growing social demand related to obtaining products that are respectful of animals, and that the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union urges countries to take into account all issues related to animal welfare in the development of its policies, it is necessary to highlight the legal vacuum that exists today in the animal-related regulations of the different countries of the European Union. ABSTRACT: Animals have fundamentally contributed to the development and growth of different cinematographic and audiovisual activities. As established in article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the basic text that establishes the objectives of the EU and from which the regulations or directives emanate, animal welfare is protected for the good of the general interest and therefore, must be taken into account when developing different European Union policies, especially those that may affect the internal market. This work aims to analyze each of the European regulations on animal protection and welfare to subsequently focus on each of the animal protection codes of the different countries of the union, trying to determine those premises related to the protection or the welfare of the animals that participate in these types of activities. We also wanted to make a brief comparison with countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA), which are highly relevant to this topic. As a result of this analysis, the absence of standardized norms in the European Union has been revealed; however, in the UK and the USA, specific laws related to animal use in film media exist. Therefore, to develop new standards that guarantee the protection of animals in audiovisual productions in the EU are necessary, and these standards could also be expanded to other sectors or activities related to working animals.