Document type: to Question No. 12372 published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on the website of theNational Assembly on March 17, 2026
Authors: : Ms. Andrée Taurinya Loire (2nd constituency) – La France insoumise – Nouveau Front Populaire. Answer: Ministry of Ecological Transition
Question: Ms Andrée Taurinya draws the attention of the Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations to the possibility of extending to audiovisual recordings and cinematic productions the ban on the use of non-domesticated animals—as provided for in Law No. 2021-1539 of November 30, 2021, and also the measures regarding the end of their use in traveling establishments by 2028. The current regulations do not provide sufficient protection and fail to prevent the suffering that is inherent to captivity and the on-screen use of wild animals. These animals cannot meet their basic biological needs in the context of their training and filming. The argument that filming is strictly controlled is, in fact, debatable: inspections are rare, are often announced in advance, and are neither comprehensive nor thorough. They do not address training, methods of psychological coercion, conditions of captivity beyond filming itself, or the acute stress caused by noise, lights, rehearsals, and restriction of movement. Furthermore, the decrees that are issued by the office of the Prefect are proof of the responsibility of the administration but do not guarantee effective compliance with animal welfare standards. The decree authorizes the keeping of animals, sets thresholds, and prescribes standards, but does not challenge the practice itself. Film is not fundamentally so different from television entertainment. Consequently, the distinction lacks weight. If the presence of wild animals is deemed unacceptable in entertainment programs in the name of animal welfare, there is no justification for it to become acceptable simply because the format is a work of fiction pursuing the same artistic goal. The AFNOR framework for responsible and sustainable film, audiovisual, and advertising production, published by the French Directorate General for Media and Cultural Industries of the Ministry of Culture, and the “3Rs” rule are voluntary but non-binding tools. The AFNOR framework has no binding force and relies solely on the goodwill of producers. The “3R” rule acknowledges only implicitly that the use of animals is problematic, without, however, requiring an effective alternative, thereby allowing such practices to continue. Furthermore, digital alternatives are already in existence and now make this sort of ban a realistic prospect. Consequently, she wishes to know whether the Government plans to extend the ban on the use of wild animals to audiovisual and cinematographic works, taking into account the existence of digital alternatives already supported by the CNC, and would like to know what conditions apply for the care and future of these animals once filming is complete.
Answer: Law No. 2021-1539 of November 30, 2021, to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between animals and humans, marked a major step forward by prohibiting, in particular, the display of non-domesticated animals—whether in captivity or removed from their natural habitat— in variety shows, game shows, and non-fiction programs as of December 2023, also bringing an end to their confinement in traveling establishments from 2028. This provision, which applies solely to entertainment programs broadcast on a television channel or made available through an on-demand audiovisual media service, does not prohibit the presence of animals in other artistic fields, such as film or advertising, where the principle of artistic freedom is applied. Given that this freedom to create and disseminate intellectual works is guaranteed as a fundamental right, there are no plans to ban the use of such animals in audiovisual and film productions. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Culture is currently conducting a sector-specific study to determine the impact of this measure. With regard to the living conditions of animals employed during filming, their housing and health care are the responsibility of the owner. The owner must demonstrate that facilities comply with regulatory standards and ensure the fulfillment of basic biological needs, while also guaranteeing the care of each animal in the event that activities are terminated. The Government is closely monitoring the development of digital alternatives and remains fully committed to supporting film and audiovisual professionals in adopting filming practices that respect animal welfare and meet the expectations of the public.
