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Animals and Wildlife
Handlers, Owners and Competent People

When any animal is booked to work for the BBC and the risks are not negligible (on a par with a pet dog or if the animal is very small and is confined), the Producer must ensure that the animal is accompanied or must seek advice (unless the Producer is an expert in their own right).
 
The work may involve putting animals in strange situations, getting them to do things for the purposes of the production, or simply recording what they do in nature.
 
Unless you have the required expertise, the advice or assistance of a competent person may be necessary. The best source of advice is likely to be the owner, handler, trainer or keeper, since that person will understand the character of the animals that are to be used. Handlers etc may, however, underestimate the risks because of their familiarity with the animals. If there is no one directly responsible for the animals, veterinary surgeons, zoos or university departments may be able to advise.
 
Some animals may seem to present a negligible - risk domestic cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs for example. "Tame" or "semi-tame" animals may, however, still cause injuries - people expect them to be safe, and the animals have less fear of people. While this information is primarily concerned with the health and safety of those who work with animals, consideration should always be given to the welfare of the animals themselves.
 
Dangerous Wild Animals Act
If an animal covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act is used under the control of the BBC, it must be accompanied by its keeper and licence.
 
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (enforced by the Local Authority) requires persons keeping specified animals to hold a licence, and there are many other legal requirements affecting work with animals - take expert advice. 
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