Kudos to Bryan Walsh for his thought-provoking recent articles on the increasingly complex issue of ensuring the well-being of animals throughout the many roles they play in our lives — and we in theirs. We especially appreciate his shining a spotlight on the indefensible practice of creating private zoos for vanity, show or profit. The Zanesville, Ohio, tragedy he cites is but the most visible of negative outcomes that all-too-often befall the animals in these collections.

While Walsh’s pieces have focused mostly on animal actors, the same questions and concerns he raises apply to any animal who interacts with humans, including animal athletes, animal first responders, animal law enforcement officers, animal soldiers, animal therapists, farm animals and animal companions. It was these same underlying concerns that led to the founding of American Humane Association in 1877.

Society has of course come a long way since then, and better laws, evolving attitudes and emerging technologies will continue to more effectively promote animals’ well-being. Citing “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” in which no actual apes were used during the filming, Walsh muses on whether the Magic of Hollywood will one day be sophisticated enough to remove animals from movies altogether. That day may come, but it is likely a ways off. Furthermore, such advances would not necessarily have any impact on the thousands of international, independent, online and other types of productions that are filmed, taped and digitally captured each year around the globe.

In the meantime, American Humane Association will continue — and constantly seek the resources to expand — our vital work to guarantee that animal actors are never relegated to the role of disposable props in movies or television shows, and that members of the movie-going public know for sure whether an animal they see on screen was afforded the care, protection and humane treatment all living things deserve.

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