'Survivor' Pig Killing Prompts New Law
July 19, 2001 8:15 am EST
BRISBANE (Reuters) - An Australian state is bringing in new animal welfare legislation following the controversial slaughter of a wild pig early this year by a participant in the hit U.S. reality show, "Survivor."
A new code of care for animal stars in film and television shows filmed in tropical Queensland would be introduced shortly, the state's primary industry minister said on Thursday.
Animal welfare groups were flooded with complaints and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals launched an investigation after "Survivor," filmed in north Queensland's outback, screened a cast member killing a wild pig with a knife.
"It is very timely and at the end of the day I believe it will be very well received by not only the film and television industries but also our animal welfare groups as well," Primary Industry Minister Henry Palaszczuk said.
Breaches of the proposed new code would carry penalties of one year in jail and fines of up to A$22,500 (US$11,475).
The producers of the trouble-prone show, CBS, had already run into trouble with the law after two contestants were flown to an island in the ecologically sensitive Great Barrier Reef and returned with pieces of coral as souvenirs.
It is illegal to take coral from the World Heritage listed reef without a permit. Marine park officials said there were also complaints a helicopter used by the show had flown too close to rookeries.
July 19, 2001 8:15 am EST
BRISBANE (Reuters) - An Australian state is bringing in new animal welfare legislation following the controversial slaughter of a wild pig early this year by a participant in the hit U.S. reality show, "Survivor."
A new code of care for animal stars in film and television shows filmed in tropical Queensland would be introduced shortly, the state's primary industry minister said on Thursday.
Animal welfare groups were flooded with complaints and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals launched an investigation after "Survivor," filmed in north Queensland's outback, screened a cast member killing a wild pig with a knife.
"It is very timely and at the end of the day I believe it will be very well received by not only the film and television industries but also our animal welfare groups as well," Primary Industry Minister Henry Palaszczuk said.
Breaches of the proposed new code would carry penalties of one year in jail and fines of up to A$22,500 (US$11,475).
The producers of the trouble-prone show, CBS, had already run into trouble with the law after two contestants were flown to an island in the ecologically sensitive Great Barrier Reef and returned with pieces of coral as souvenirs.
It is illegal to take coral from the World Heritage listed reef without a permit. Marine park officials said there were also complaints a helicopter used by the show had flown too close to rookeries.