The risks animals have faced on movie sets

You're probably familiar with the “No Animals Were Harmed” disclaimer that appears in movie credits. These are awarded by American Humane to movies that comply with the rules of animal welfare. The certification, however, has not been around since Hollywood’s early days, nor does American Humane oversee international productions.

The sad history of animal cruelty in movies dates back to silent movies and is still an issue to this day. In this gallery, you'll get to know the movies where animals were in fact harmed. Click on for their stories. 

'Stagecoach' (1939)

The set of this John Ford Western starring John Wayne was not safe for animals. The crew used a "running W," a device that'd throw horses onto the ground. It's unknown how many horses were harmed. 

'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' (1925)

A number of horses were seriously harmed during the filming of the chariot race scenes for this movie. 

Reportedly, an estimated 100 horses died on set, as did a stuntman.

'Heaven's Gate' (1980)

This led the American Humane Association to boycott the movie. In more recent releases (on Blu-ray), over one minute of animal cruelty footage was removed. 

'Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid' (1973)

Multiple animals were harmed and killed in this Sam Peckinpah western. Most notoriously, chickens were shot in the head. 

'Apocalypse Now' (1979)

A water buffalo is slaughtered in Francis Ford Coppola's classic war movie. 

'The Adventures of Milo and Otis' (1986)

The original Japanese version featured a number of scenes involving animals in dangerous situations. The production of the movie was not overseen by American Humane, and there were allegations that several cats died on set.

'Pink Flamingos' (1972)

A chicken is crushed to death during a scene in this John Waters cult classic. However, it has been speculated that more than one chicken perished on set. 

'Life of Pi' (2012)

An investigation by the Hollywood Reporter in 2013 unveiled emails that suggested that animals had been mistreated on set. However, the allegations weren't proven. 

'The Rules Of The Game' (1939)

Jean Renoir's comedy of manners features a hunting scene in which real rabbits and pheasants are shot at by the actors. It's reported that hundreds of animals were killed. Ironically, Renoir was said to be morally opposed to hunting as a sport and intended to showcase its brutality. 

'Jesse James' (1939)

A scene where a horse falls off a cliff to his death prompted the American Humane Association to start monitoring filmmaking. The horse was blindfolded and led to its death unknowingly. 

'Flicka' (2006)

Ironically, in a movie that's supposed to revolve around the love for horses, two of them were seriously harmed. 

'Zookeeper' (2011)

While no animals were harmed on purpose in 'Zookeeper,' an elderly giraffe collapsed and died in its enclosure. 

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' (2012)

Director Peter Jackson and the producers denied the allegations. Their statement read, "The producers completely reject the accusations that 27 animals died due to mistreatment during the making of the films."