Fish Abuse Regulations in Movies and TV

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ShanerBock888

Aimara
MFK Member
Apr 9, 2016
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So I was just watching The Leftovers Season 2 and there's a part where a pond is drained and all that's left is small puddles and dying fish. At first I assumed they were fake, but then there was one shot where it really really looked like they were real.

And it got me thinking about how there are all sorts of regulations regarding animal abuse in the production of movies and tv shows. In fact, a lot of movies and shows have a statement at the end of the credits that states "no animals were harmed in the filming."

Are fish included in these regulations? The more I think about it, the more I feel like I frequently see seemingly real fish in crappy situations in movies. If they aren't included, they obviously should be, but I admit that before I caught the fishkeeping bug, I was unaware of their mental capacity. So I wouldn't be surprised if people saw fish as an exception to the rule.

Does anyone have any information on this? Any thoughts?
 
So I was just watching The Leftovers Season 2 and there's a part where a pond is drained and all that's left is small puddles and dying fish. At first I assumed they were fake, but then there was one shot where it really really looked like they were real.

And it got me thinking about how there are all sorts of regulations regarding animal abuse in the production of movies and tv shows. In fact, a lot of movies and shows have a statement at the end of the credits that states "no animals were harmed in the filming."

Are fish included in these regulations? The more I think about it, the more I feel like I frequently see seemingly real fish in crappy situations in movies. If they aren't included, they obviously should be, but I admit that before I caught the fishkeeping bug, I was unaware of their mental capacity. So I wouldn't be surprised if people saw fish as an exception to the rule.

Does anyone have any information on this? Any thoughts?

I think they fall into whatever category insects are in. Is it right? No. But im sure there are insect lovers that feel the same way, regardless of mental capacity
 
I've often wondered this too..

Also, in films/shows that have fishtanks as background props, I often wonder what happens to the fish when the set comes down...
 
Also, in films/shows that have fishtanks as background props, I often wonder what happens to the fish when the set comes down...
They may rent a property for to film, and the fish tank is part of the rented property. Once filming is over, the property is returned to the owner, as well as the fish tank
 
They may rent a property for to film, and the fish tank is part of the rented property. Once filming is over, the property is returned to the owner, as well as the fish tank
Fair'o. That makes sense. :)
 
I think they fall into whatever category insects are in. Is it right? No. But im sure there are insect lovers that feel the same way, regardless of mental capacity
Yeah I think you're right, it seems they get the same treatment. And I would have to disagree with those insect lovers lol, but I see what you're saying

Also, in films/shows that have fishtanks as background props, I often wonder what happens to the fish when the set comes down...
I'm pretty sure there are prop companies that rent out things like that. It's more cost effective for the producers to rent out props that will be used for only a few hours. I live right near a farm that does this with animals. They always have giraffes, zebras, peacocks, and other crazy animals come in and out too. It's probably the best possible situation for the fish and other animals, rather than discard them when the movie is done.
 
I'm pretty sure there are prop companies that rent out things like that. It's more cost effective for the producers to rent out props that will be used for only a few hours. I live right near a farm that does this with animals. They always have giraffes, zebras, peacocks, and other crazy animals come in and out too. It's probably the best possible situation for the fish and other animals, rather than discard them when the movie is done.
Yeah, my pessimistic thinking was that the fish would be discarded after production. The possibility of film crews "borrowing" someone's fish sounds much nicer in my mind lol
 
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