The Canadian Wrangler Code
“We work with the American Humane Association, Movie Animal Protection and the OSPCA, Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to continually ensure the well-being of our animal actors and deliver the highest standards of animal welfare.”
Professionals
The numerous accolades and credits which the pair have accumulated from decades of stunt and animal experience simply cannot be achieved without years of dedicated training, training Rick was fortunate enough to have experienced with the likes of equine advisor, Yakima Canutt. One can only marvel how these experiences and the many, many others have shaped the Canadian Wrangler Story. Certainly, there are very few in the animal training industry who can state like Sue and Rick, that they have over 80 years of film experience. It is, after all, an incredible testament to them both. However, it is also important to remember that these achievements have only been realized because the ethos of the Canadian Wrangler is rooted within a strong code of ethics ….. This code should bear weight, Rick believes, as the future of this industry relies on professional conduct.
““The overarching principles of ethics, expertise and experience can never be “bought, traded or falsified””
“Animals can not simply be brought onto a set and expected to perform, this is not only costly for the production crew but costly, in terms of the animals’ well being”
Paws for thought …
I am left wondering what does the “future” of this industry look like? One hopes that the experience, ethics and expertise both Rick and Sue speak of with such passion, remains to be on the top of every producers list when it comes to working with animals and trainers. Indeed, in the world of social media there is no place to hide. What is certain though, the place for the Parkers is not in 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. They will forever lie with the souls of their animals and alongside the paw prints of “Trailer the English Shepherd” and the hoof prints of “Whitey”, the chosen mount of Jeff Daniels, just two of the hundreds of animal actors they have had the honour of working with. And one has a sense they are more than happy with that.
Somehow, I feel an autobiography is on the cards….