Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES › Chapter 391-4 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION › Subject 391-4-9 - GENERAL REGULATIONS › Rule 391-4-9-.08 - Film Production Wildlife Permit

Current through Rules and
				Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) The purpose of this regulation is to
				protect wildlife and the citizens of Georgia by establishing regulations for
				the possession and exhibition of wildlife to be used in the film industry. This
				regulation provides and establishes permit requirements and requirements for
				animal origin, humane care, use and handling, and reporting.
(2) Permit Requirements. A Film Production
				Wildlife (FPW) permit shall not be issued unless the following conditions are
				met:
(a) Application for a FPW permit shall be
				made on an official application form provided by the department. FPW permits
				are valid upon issuance date and expire annually on March 31.
(b) An applicant wishing to possess or
				provide mammals must possess a valid U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal
				Welfare Act license and submit a copy of this license with the application for
				an FPW permit.
(c) An applicant
				wishing to possess or provide FPW animals which are currently listed in the
				Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, or the
				Endangered Species Act must possess a valid United States Fish and Wildlife
				Service (USFWS) permit and submit a copy of this permit with the application
				for an FPW permit.
(d) An applicant
				for a resident FPW permit must be a legal Georgia resident who has a minimum of
				five years of verifiable film/entertainment industry experience, and who is at
				least 21 years old. Verifiable experience requires a resume detailing at least
				five years of professional, documented animal training and handling for
				film/entertainment industry activities within the previous ten years and must
				be submitted with the application. Members of the family Cervidae and rabies
				vector species including: bats, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks
				shall not be imported into Georgia.
(e) An applicant for a non-resident FPW
				permit must have a minimum of five years of verifiable film/entertainment
				industry experience and be at least 21 years old. Verifiable experience
				requires a resume detailing at least five years of professional, documented
				animal training and handling for film/entertainment industry activities within
				the previous ten years and must be submitted with the application. Members of
				the family Cervidae and rabies vector species including: bats, bobcats,
				coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks shall not be imported into
				Georgia.
(f) Anyone who has been
				convicted of a wildlife or animal welfare violation in Georgia, or the
				equivalent in another state within the past five years is not eligible for a
				FPW permit.
(g) All resident
				facilities where animals will be housed, maintained or trained shall be
				inspected by the department prior to issuance of an initial FPW permit.
				Facilities must comply with the specifications for the humane handling, care,
				confinement, and transportation of animals set forth in O.C.G.A. §
										27-5-6 and must meet minimum
				requirements as specified by the department.
(h) The application must contain an animal
				inventory list of the species and number of animals to be possessed under the
				permit. Once a FPW permit has been granted by the department, the applicant
				must obtain department approval prior to acquiring any additions to their
				inventory possessed under this permit.
(i) Liability insurance is required for the
				possession of any wildlife to be utilized under the terms of this permit. Prior
				to the issuance of a FPW permit, any applicant other than a governmental agency
				or university research facility must provide proof of liability insurance from
				a company licensed to do business in this state or an unauthorized insurer if
				permitted by Chapter 5 of Title 33. Such insurance must be maintained in force
				and effect and cover claims for injury or damage to persons or property in an
				amount equal to $40,000.00 for each animal up to a maximum of
				$500,000.00.
(j) An applicant is
				responsible for, and shall so indicate on the application, any and all costs
				associated with the escape, capture and disposition of a permitted animal. This
				includes any such costs incurred by the Department.